The 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at the weekend may have pushed Everton three points clear of the drop zone but they are currently in a position that just does not do justice to the money they spent in the summer transfer window. The Merseyside club have stuck with David Unsworth after sacking Ronald Koeman not too long ago and it now looks like the interim manager is making plans for the club, for the January transfer window.
There are a number of shortcomings in the squad at the Goodison Park at the moment but the lack of a goal-scorer is what has hurt them the most. The Toffees have managed to score just 12 goals all season, at the rate of just a goal per game, and are in dire need of a striker, who can improve their tally in front of goal.
They lost their talisman Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United in the summer but failed to replace him effectively, but one player who they want to add to their squad for that role in the winter is Leicester City star Islam Slimani.
A record signing for the Foxes, Slimani made a decent start to his time in England, picking up nine goals and five assists in his first season, under two different managers. However, he has fallen down the pecking order this season, even under new manager Claude Puel, and has got just 114 minutes of league football, which have seen him pick up just one assist.
He has been preferred in the League Cup, where he has four goals to his name, showing his ability in front of goal but reports suggest that lack of playing time might push him out of the club come January and there are very few clubs that can offer him as much game-time as the Merseyside outfit, for the rest of the season.
The likes of Sandro Ramirez and Oumar Niasse are the only options to lead the attack for Everton alongside Wayne Rooney this season and Slimani adds a different dimension to this attack.
Strong and dominating in the air, the Algerian international is tailor-made for the English game while his ability to play on the shoulder of the last man is something Everton have dearly missed this season. At 29, Slimani has a great understanding of the game while his finishing, in the air and off the ground, makes him an even better option for Everton.
He has 48 goals and 14 assists in just 82 Liga Nos appearances in the past and is a player who can score goals consistently. Everton, having spent insane amounts in January, may not be able to afford another big name signing, making Slimani, who wants to quit Leicester, a viable option.
There is no arguing that Everton can find better names to get them out of trouble but the previous experience in the league and his attributes make the former Sporting CP man a worthy investment for the Blues. But do you think Slimani is the right choice for Everton?
