A shocking defeat against Millwall in the FA Cup saw Everton hitting a new low under Marco Silva. They have little left to play for this season amidst the struggles of making it to the top half of the Premier League standings. The Toffees, however, are now likely to suffer yet another blow before the window is slammed shut.
According to Téléfoot, French giants Paris St-Germain are chasing Idrissa Gana Gueye, the midfield general of the Merseysiders who has been their most effective midfield star in recent years. Everton, though reluctant to let the Senegalese leave midway through the campaign, have thought of an alternative in order to make a profit out of this deal.
They have proposed an exchange between Gueye and Thomas Meunier – the Belgian right fullback who previously hinted at a move to Goodison Park while being interviewed by French outlet RTBF.
Meunier, 27, would compete with Seamus Coleman for a starting slot similar to Lucas Digne, who has replaced Leighton Baines in the left-back role. Coleman is one of the finest attacking right fullbacks of the league but has severe injury problems. It is unlikely to get any better from here with the player now in his 30s.
The Belgium international is hailed for his overlapping runs, goal-scoring attribute and crosses from the flank which resembles Coleman of his peak years.
PSG, meanwhile, are not willing to sanction a straight swap and demanding money in addition to Gueye for approving Meunier’s transfer. This would indeed put the Toffees on the back foot as they have no alternative of the Senegalese at this moment. Neither of Andre Gomes, Morgan Schneiderlin, Tom Davies or James McCarthy offers a similar drive in midfield with uninterrupted running and physical supremacy. Silva, already under immense pressure, would have to reform his set-up in the absence of Idrissa Gueye massively.
Meunier, on the other hand, should bring in some flexibility at the back due to his ability to slot in as a right wingback. A ‘back three’ would allow the Goodison boss to find an alternative to his 4-2-3-1 that saw the Blues failing to grind out results in the recent weeks.
Talks, however, are still pretty premature but the story could develop and gather pace within the next couple of days. PSG have certain Financial Fair Play restrictions imposed, but a deal like this would avoid a fresh controversy and help them achieve their transfer objective before Thursday’s deadline.
