If reports are to be believed, Premier League side Burnley are now eyeing a move for La Liga midfielder Gonzalo Escalante. The Argentine international has caught the attention of many clubs with his disciplined display from SD Eibar’s midfield last season, and the Clarets think him as the perfect addition to their depleting spine.
Burnley had a decent season last campaign that saw them almost ruling over all other sides on their home turf. Sean Dyche had made the perfect use of their crooked pitch at Turf Moor, which saw them stop fierce attacks like Chelsea, Liverpool and more.
Sean Dyche has been provided with a better transfer kitty this time and the 46-year-old hasn’t wasted time in getting in players. The Clarets have brought in exciting young talent Charlie Taylor from Championship side Leeds United, defensive midfielder Jack Cork from Swansea City and the unlikely option of Jonathan Walters from Stoke City.
The departure of Michael Keane has surely been a huge blow for them, but it was quite expected on their part. Dyche is keen on getting even more defensive reinforcements ahead of the next season and midfield remains a prime part of that. Following the sudden departure of the controversial midfielder, Joey Barton, last season owing to illegal betting activities and the long-term injury to Dean Marney, whose cruciate ligament injury won’t allow him to start next season, Escalante’s addition could be a significant one.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder played a crucial role for Eibar last season scoring twice and assisting one from the deep midfield, and the club has reportedly stated that they wouldn’t want to dispose of him for less than £6 million. Burnley have a bountiful sum in their bank following their £30 million sale of Keane to Everton, and they could easily facilitate this transfer.
Escalante has shown tremendous displays in the defensive third of the field last season. His ability to time his tackle to perfection and read the game intelligently makes him a brilliant option for the little amount that the La Liga side is demanding. Although his nascent age does bring a certain amount of indiscipline with it and his tendency to commit fouls often could be a worry.
Last season, Escalante managed to see 12 yellow cards in all competitions for the side and Dyche would need to polish him quite a bit before he throws him into the high pace of the league. The Boca Junior Academy product has played for Serie A side Catania apart from Eibar.
