5 Reasons Why Chelsea Should Have Kept Romelu Lukaku

3. Everton - A Genuine Threat?

Everton should not be underestimated. Last season, they were a revelation. With Roberto Martinez having been lauded for his work at unfancied Wigan Athletic, cynics questioned whether he could make the step up €“ after all, how many relegated managers walk straight into a top six job? Last season, Martinez not only took over a ship that had been steadied by David Moyes for over a decade, but he made his predecessor look like a drunk pirate, masterminding their best ever points tally. With Lukaku on board, they managed to beat Chelsea, Manchester United (twice), Arsenal and were within a hair€™s breadth of a derby-day victory over Liverpool. With 72 points amassed, they were hot on the trails of Arsenal for the latter stages of the season, with Arsene Wenger publicly expressing his worries and doubts following their 3-0 rout at Goodison Park. With Everton having acquired Lukaku, it may just be the impetus they need to take the leap. With Liverpool€™s sudden resurgence last season, and Louis van Gaal€™s determination to announce himself as the new sheriff in town, the exclusiveness of the top four is shrinking with each season. As Mourinho battles for top spot, the last thing he needs to become embroiled in is an enclosing gap between the usual pace-setters and the sides who should be Europa League cannon fodder. His signing is a real signal of intent. No longer is chairman Bill Kenwright ready to sit on his hands, and forget where he placed his wallet. With the transfer record well and truly smashed, Everton are suddenly becoming an attractive proposition. The likes of Leighton Baines and Ross Barkley would normally have been wooed by Manchester United and Manchester City in recent years, but their recent contract extensions put an end to that speculation, and stated that Everton are no longer the feeder club for the Premier League€™s elite. Give Roberto Martinez a 20 goal-a-season striker, and Everton will be in the Champions League within three years. Does Mourinho really want to gamble on his own VIP ticket at the party?