Ligue 1 striker, Karl Toko Ekambi has been linked to a number of Premier League sides with Burnley reported to be one of the interested parties. The Paris-born striker’s contract runs till the summer of 2020 and is valued highly by Angers SCO.
Ekambi has been firing on all cylinders this season with 9 goals netted in 18 appearances already. His impressive run of form however has not reflected on Angers who are struggling in the relegation zone of the league table.
The 25-year-old arrived at Les Scoistes in the summer of 2016 from Ligue 2 side, FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. Developing his game in the lower division, Ekambi is as strong as he is fast. He has already overtaken his previous season goal tally and has brought a fresh bout of energy for the French outfit this season.
Ekambi rejected a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer due to unknown reasons but now has a second chance to play in top-flight English football.
Burnley are currently flying through their first season in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship. Their Boxing Day draw against Manchester United is a testament of the success they have enjoyed so far into the season.
Sitting in the 7th spot of the points table, Sean Dyche is quietly competing against the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester City for a European qualification spot.
With high ambitions and an eagerness to beat all odds, the Clarets will require more firepower in order to complete the dream season they are enjoying right now. Dyche’s gameplay mostly boasts of resolute defending but has so far only netted the ball 18 times in 24 games. A surprising number for a side so high up the table.
New Zealand international, Chris Wood has been the best attacking threat for the Turf Moor side with 4 goals and 5 assists. However, he hobbled off the pitch in the 0-3 loss to Tottenham on the 23rd December and is an injury concern for Dyche.
Ashley Barnes got the crucial opening goal against Jose Mourinho’s men and reopened his goalscoring tally. But with him and Sam Vokes, yet to start chipping in regularly, a versatile attacker is necessary for the club going forward.
Standing at 6 feet, Ekuban is athletically gifted to appear from multiple positions in the final third. Even if he is not placed in the lone striker role, the Cameroon international can provide some threat from the wide areas and bring a different dynamic to Dyche’s style of play.
With Crystal Palace and Everton also circling around for his services, can Burnley convince the striker to sign with them in January?
