Why Everton sealing first January signing is great news for Chelsea

18 Dec 2021 12:21 GMT
3 min read

Vitaliy Mykolenko playing for Dynamo Kyiv v Juventus in the 2021/22 Champions League — © ProShots

Everton are set to complete the transfer of Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv imminently.

The Ukraine international left-back has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Goodison Park club and The Daily Mail reports that Everton have now agreed an £18 million package with the player’s club to see him switch to the Premier League.

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The 22-year-old is one of a number of promising young players at Dynamo and featured in all six of their Champions League matches this season. He was also a prominent figure as Ukraine reached the last 16 of Euro 2020.

All this is positive news, meanwhile, for Chelsea.

Chelsea benefit from Mykolenko to Everton

The Blues are eager to sign an additional left-back in January because of a long-term injury to Ben Chilwell.

Everton’s long-term first-choice left-back has been France international Lucas Digne, though he has reportedly fallen out with manager Rafael Benitez – a story that the club’s pursuit of Mykolenko would appear to lend weight to.

Digne missed the Toffees’ 1-1 draw against Chelsea in midweek, reportedly because of illness.

Why Everton were so desperate to extend Lucas Digne’s contract — © ProShots

With the Goodison Park side ailing financially, they cannot afford to have an expensive asset like the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain full-back simply kicking his heels on the bench. Instead, he will likely be made available for transfer.

Digne boasts an ideal profile for Chelsea and the 3-4-3 scheme that they often play under Thomas Tuchel. Not only is he a capable attacking player, but he treats his defensive duties very seriously and has the fitness levels to patrol the whole flank.

With a profile that is attractive to Chelsea and his future at Everton looking increasingly uncertain, things are falling into place for the France international to make a move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.