It is a public knowledge that Everton had concrete interest in Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini throughout the last summer transfer window but they failed to land the versatile and gifted forward. Napoli parted ways with the best striker in Serie A in recent years, Gonzalo Higuaín, last summer and Gabbiadini had the chance to establish himself as the first-choice which was perhaps one of the reasons as to why he stayed put at Naples. However, he has miserably failed in doing that.
It has been reported by Corriere dello Sport that Everton have begun discussing a deal with Napoli yet again as they look to secure the signature of the talented forward in January. The report claims that Everton have offered Napoli around €20 million for the player (£16.8 million), which is around €10 million less than what they offered for him in the summer.
Even though Everton’s latest offer for Gabbiadini is much lesser than the one Napoli rejected for him in the summer is much lesser, the Naples side are considering the offer as they are looking to use the money for getting Leonardo Pavoletti from Genoa. Considering the form Gabbiadini has shown this season, when his side needed him the most, their desire to part ways with him is hardly surprising.
Gabbiadini has played 16 games for Napoli this season in all competitions and has managed just two goals. With Arkadiusz Milik getting injured earlier this season, it was Gabbiadini’s big chance to make the number nine position his own but he hasn’t been able to bring about any sort of momentum or consistency in his game.
Everton looking for a striker is quite understandable because there is too much pressure on Romelu Lukaku’s shoulders for all the goals.
Gabbiadini is a versatile attacker who can play either as the focal point of the attack or as a secondary forward. He is also capable of plying his trade on the flanks. Such a versatile and capable player would be a welcome addition at Goodison Park. The Italian is a tailor-made forward for the kind of football Ronald Koeman wants from his side. Koeman likes players who work hard for the team and the Italian fits the profile.
With Gabbiadini on board, Everton will have the option to switch to a two-man attack when needed. The Italian will give Koeman a lot of options with his versatility and can get the nod ahead of players like Mirallas, Deulofeu and Lennon on the right flank. He is just 25 years old and his best years are ahead of him. In the former Sampdoria star, Everton will have a long-term project.
