Former Barcelona player closing in on Chelsea switch

Lucas Digne’s stint with Barcelona was a largely forgettable one.

After bursting onto scenes in France with Lille, the left-back was poached by Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, but he failed to make much of an impact at Parc des Princes. Having spent a season on loan at AS Roma, the Frenchman made his way to Barcelona in the summer of 2016.

Brought in to provide cover and competition for Jordi Alba, the defender managed just 46 appearances in two seasons, before moving on to Everton in 2018. The switch worked a treat for him as he soon established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.

Digne’s attacking contributions and leadership qualities made him a fan favourite at Goodison Park, while also enabling him to earn his way back into the France national team.

Now, though, his time with the Merseysiders is coming to an end. The 28-year-old recently had a falling out with manager Rafael Benitez due to the club’s negative tactics under the Spaniard, who has exiled him from the first team and transfer-listed him.

Now, El Nacional is reporting that Digne is closing in on a transfer to Chelsea. The Blues are in the market for a new left-back this January after Ben Chilwell’s season-ending knee injury that needed surgery.

Digne has been identified as a top target by Thomas Tuchel & co. They are not alone in his pursuit, though, as the likes of Inter Milan, Napoli and Newcastle United are also keen on signing the ex-Lille star.

However, the report adds that Digne is ready to snub all the other interested parties in favour of a transfer to Stamford Bridge, with negotiations already believed to be underway. A transfer fee of €30 million is being quoted for the former Barcelona defender, which should hardly be a problem for Chelsea.