Everton lead chase to sign Andre Gomes and Jasper Cillessen
Everton is close to signing both Andre Gomes and Jasper Cillessen from Barcelona.
Everton is eager to make moves and improve upon last season. In order to do that, they know they need to make shrewd signings and it looks like that is what they are doing as reports indicate that the Toffees are close to completing the signing of Andre Gomes and are front-runners to land Jasper Cillessen.
According to Diario Sport, representatives of the Portuguese midfielder have travelled to Barcelona to smooth out some details. Barcelona is asking for €30 million for Gomes and it is his desire to make his stay at Everton permanent after playing well on loan last season. With the logjam in midfield at Barcelona, a move away from the Catalan side is in the best interest of both parties.
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Sport also report that Jasper Cillessen is close to a move to the Premier League. Once again, Everton seems to be in pole position to acquire his services. The Dutch goalkeeper has made no qualms that he is angling for a move because he wants more playing time. He knows that he will not get that at Barcelona with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen being the first choice. While the completion of a deal is not as locked as the one for Andre Gomes, Everton look at Cillessen as a good candidate should the Jordan Pickford rumours turn to more than rumours.
Barcelona and Everton enjoy a good relationship and have done business in the recent past. Besides agreeing to the Gomes loan, Barcelona also sold Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne to Everton with Digne having a standout season at left-back. Such a relationship should make negotiations run a lot better.
Andre Gomes arrived at Barcelona from Valencia a few seasons back but could not produce what he did at Valencia despite numerous opportunities to do so. He is wanted by West Ham and Tottenham as well but he wants to play for Everton. A potential arrival of Cillessen would fill the gap should Pickford leave and is more than just a capable goalkeeper.