It’s desperate times for clubs across Europe to react on what their squad is lacking at the moment. Yes, tomorrow is the transfer deadline day and we are anticipating a busy one for the Premier League clubs provided the monetary power and the intent that almost every English top tier side possesses. Everton were taken over by billionaire businessman Farhad Moshiri earlier this year and the fans saw experienced manager Ronald Koeman arriving at the helm in place of Roberto Martinez. With the sync of the two, a busy summer was expected at Goodison Park but that hasn’t been the case. However, a few late deals could still be on the cards.
Sky Sports, which is no less than The Bible for football transfers, claim that Everton are in talks with Napoli to sign Italian forward Manolo Gabbiadini. It is claimed by the same report that the Toffees had a £19.6m offer rejected for the 24-year-old but an improved £25m could land Everton their much-needed attacking reinforcement.
It was nothing less than a new signing when Romelu Lukaku declared that he has opted to stay at Goodison Park. However, it is as clear a daylight that Everton needed to offer the Belgian a helping hand in the attack, something both Oumar Niasse and Arouna Kone are not capable of doing. With the signings of Gabbiadini, Everton will finally have some breathing space.
Time and again last season, we had seen Lukaku been isolated up front. Even though the Belgian had a solid season, it was clearly visible that he was ineffective in some games.
Gabbiadini is blessed with an amazing versatility across the final third. The Italian international is predominantly a number nine but also cherishes it when deployed as a wide forward or a supporting striker. The 24-year-old works his socks off for his team and is always on the move. An intelligent and versatile striker like him could be a real asset under Koeman.
The former Atalanta, Juventus and Sampdoria forward joined Napoli in January 2015 and since then, he just managed 20 goals from 61 games. However, his stats do not speak for his true quality as his game time was mostly limited at the Naples club as the versatile attacker played second fiddle to Gonzalo Higuaín. Having appeared off the bench in most games for Napoli, Gabbiadini has done much beyond a good job at Napoli.
Koeman is a manager who is never afraid to switch his tactics. A player like Gabbiadini could be his trump card in doing that and surprising oppositions. The signing of the Italian international would be a nice capture from Everton.
