Reportedly available for £20m: Why Everton must sign Arsenal 22-year-old
COMMENT By Will Butcher
Everton must rival Crystal Palace for Arsenal stopper Calum Chambers this summer in order to boost their chances of finishing in the top six of the Premier League.
The Daily Mail claim Sam Allardyce's side are ready to re-enter the market for the 22-year-old defender, after having a £16million bid rejected earlier this month.
It is said that a bid of £20million will prise Chambers away from Arsene Wenger's side, as they look to make a profit on the £16million they paid Southampton back in the summer of 2014.
Everton have already completed an influx of signings this summer, with seven new signings including the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Keane and Davy Klaassen.
Football Insider considers why Everton must move quickly to beat Palace and land the England Under-21 international as Koeman continues his summer spending spree.
Here are three reasons why, with one of the Toffees star defenders unsure over his future on Merseyside:
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2016-17 form
Last season, Chambers starred for loan side Middlesbrough as he formed a partnership with highly-rated defender Ben Gibson in an attempt to keep Boro in the top flight of English football.
The Arsenal ace helped the Teesside club keep eight clean sheets in 27 league and cup fixtures, in a side that were expected to lose more matches than they won.
If brought to Everton, Chambers' ability on the ball as well his aerial prowess and defensive intelligence would prove crucial at the back in a defence that already boasts the likes of Ashley Williams and Keane.
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Funes Mori injury
Argentina international Funes Mori has been ruled out for up to nine months after suffering a knee injury, sustained while on international duty.
His loss is in definite need of replacing this summer and bringing Chambers to Goodison Park would replace the bite that Funes Mori provides in the Everton back line.
Without the former River Plate defender available to Koeman, Chambers is needed not only to provide quality at the back but also much-needed cover without Funes Mori.
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Jagielka future
Everton's skipper Phil Jagielka has already revealed to Sky Sports that he is unsure over his future with the Toffees, with only 12 months remaining on his current contract.
The veteran defender was in top form for Everton last season, making 27 appearances and even finding the back of the net three times but it is now unlikely that he will remain, following the signing of Keane.
If Jagielka leaves and Funes Mori is out injured, then a new centre-back is definitely needed and Chambers could fill that void.
In other Everton news, the Blues have received approaches for this midfielder.
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