Chelsea have reportedly re-established contact with Everton over the possibility to sign Ross Barkley in January after a move broke down in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
It emerged as one of the transfer window memes as Chelsea struggled to complete the signing of the midfielder. Reports had it then that he had abandoned the contract offer from Chelsea, despite arriving at Cobham for medicals.
Barkley strongly denied those claims afterwards and explained he decided against the move to Stamford Bridge only because he was injured and wanted to make a decision on his future when he is fully fit.
Contrary to a number of reports in the press, I did not undertake a medical with any club at any point.
— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley8) September 2, 2017
I simply decided that due to my injury, it would be best to make a decision on my future and assess all my options in January when fully fit
— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley8) September 2, 2017
Barkley is yet to feature for Everton this season as he still battles a hamstring injury that kept him out of pre-season in the summer. He is however only two weeks away from returning to full fitness.
The Daily Mail says Chelsea are still considering making another bid for his services as Antonio Conte looks to beef up his squad for the remainder of the season.
A new five-man midfield means Conte needs more men in that department as the stress of playing three times a week will soon have a toll on N’Golo Kante, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater and Cesc Fabregas.
Barkley is yet to feature this season, but his quality can get him a decent number of games under the Italian. The 24-year old has scored 13 goals and registered 14 assists for Everton in over 70 appearances.
