After a summer transfer for Ross Barkley fell through on transfer deadline day, it was expected that Chelsea would revive their interest in January and they’ve done so.
Barkley is believed to have undergone a medical ahead of a £15m move from Everton – reportedly £20m less than what the Blues were prepared to pay in the summer – and the move should be finalised soon.
Antonio Conte has spoken to the media about Barkley’s impending arrival at Stamford Bridge and what the club must do to protect him. As quoted by the Evening Standard, the Italian said:
For sure we’re talking about a young player, an English player. He can have good prospects for Chelsea. I think the club decided on this investment also for his contract.
Conte reaffirms that Barkley has a lot of potential but they must monitor his recovery from a lengthy hamstring injury which required surgery.
He’s very young. He has a lot of space for improvement. He’s very strong physically, good technique. He’s a good prospect but at the same time, it will be very important to understand when he can recover from his injury.
He had a bad injury and has not played for seven months. We have to hope to recover him very quickly & have him for the rest of the season.
Barkley would become Chelsea’s first addition of the January transfer window but it would be some weeks before the club can see him at his best.
