Forwards Everton should target this summer
Alongside the obvious need for a right-back, Everton are calling out for a striker who can provide a consistent goal scoring threat for next season. Between summer signing Thierno Barry and Beto, the two strikers combined for just fifteen league goals last season, a tally that would be expected of a lone number 9, if the Blues are to progress and compete at the right end of the Premier League table. So, here are 5 options I believe Everton should target, although I may be being a little hopeful with a couple of the names.
Liam Delap (Chelsea)
Starting with the more realistic of options, Liam Delap was on occasion rumoured to be linked with a move to Everton during last years summer transfer window, however, he made the move to Stamford Bridge instead. A move that has seen his playing time decrease emphatically from what it may have been with the Blues. Injuries have derailed his debut campaign in west London, however, Joao Pedro has seemingly found his form for Chelsea and he will be difficult to displace in the starting line-up moving forward, which leaves Delap in an interesting predicament. At just 23-years of age, it took a single season at Ipswich to attract the interest of the bigger clubs, Delap scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances, a return that is not too shabby in a team that was one of the favourites for relegation. So, in a team with more promise, more attacking threat and who generally create more chances, could he be the answer for the Blues for seasons to come? Granted he would cost a little, Chelsea will want to recoup as much of the £30 million they paid, but with his age, ability and potential, that seems like a fee that Moyes should be willing to pay.
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus will surely be looking for a route out of London this summer. Despite all the success Arsenal have had this season, Jesus has been on the outskirts of the majority of it all season. An ACL injury ruled him out of the beginning of the season, but the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Arteta’s insistence to play Kai Havertz ahead of him, Jesus surely will be on the move this coming window. After his 5-year stint at Manchester City, Jesus has struggled to really assert himself as the leading man for Arsenal, which has seen him fall out of favour with the Brazilian national team, missing out on the World Cup squad for this summer. He has averaged about a goal every four games for Arsenal, but he only featured in 14 league games for Arteta’s side this season. With his contract expiring next summer, Arsenal may be looking to “get what they can for him” before he leaves on a free next year, and Everton can provide Jesus with a chance at becoming a consistent starting forward in the Premier League yet again.
Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
People may be surprised to learn that Dusan Vlahovic is still only just 26-years of age. He seems to have been around for such a prolonged period of time already. After breaking through with Fiorentina, Vlahovic averaged nearly a goal every other game before Juventus decided to spend 70 million euros for his signature. His goal scoring record has been particularly impressive with the “Old Lady”, however he has never really been able to establish himself as the main man in Turin. It is very possible that there will be a whole host of clubs circling the Serbian for his signature as his contract has expired in Turin and he will be available on a free transfer. Due to that, the Blues will be able to offer a somewhat exaggerated wage package which may keep them in competition with any other clubs who may be interested. At 6-foot-3, Vlahovic will provide a big target up top for the Blues, something which, with the right signings this summer, Everton may benefit from with the correct service.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
It is a surprise to some that Marcus Rashford remains a Manchester United player and despite the fact that he is not really an out and out striker, he could take up the role at Hill Dickinson and provide Everton with a different option up top. After a somewhat disappointing loan spell with Aston Villa, Rashford managed to regain some of his confidence and form during his most recent loan spell with Barcelona. He contributed to 25 goals for the Catalunya side, however, it appears unlikely that they will be moving to make his signature permanent. With Manchester United seemingly moving in a different direction with their attacking line-up, that leaves Rashford unsure on where his future lies. He is another who needs regular first-team football to regain his place in the national side; but he will commend a particularly hefty transfer fee and wage package, something which may need to be reduced if he is to find a more constant home.
Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid)
A final potential option, likely the least realistic or possible option on this list due to the fact he remains a young and somewhat unproven prospect. Garcia made his breakthrough for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup last summer after an incredibly impressive campaign for the Castilla side the year before. However, with Jose Mourinho arriving as the new boss, with president Perez promising that Madrid will be looking to spend money in the summer and with the small feat of being behind Kylian Mbappe in the pecking order, Garcia will be struggling to find consistent game time in his future. Now, Madrid may be looking to loan out the 22-year old to garner him some experience in preparation for a spot opening up for him. He may not be a finished product, but he definitely has an eye for goal, so whilst it may not be a realistic target, it does not hurt to ask.
Who do you think should be targeted this window?