According to a recent report by RMC Sport (translated via the Daily Express), Everton have opened talks with Olympique Lyonnais over a potential move for their French midfield ace Lucas Tousart in this off-season. However, the same source has also claimed that the Toffees are yet to make a bid for the player with Lyon demanding at least €20m (£18m) for their prized asset during this ongoing summer transfer window.
The Rapid Rise Of Lucas Tousart In French Football
The French prospect began his playing career in France for Rodez AF before making a switch to Valencienne in the summer of 2013. He came through the youth ranks of the Ligue 2 outfit before breaking out as a first-team starter back in 2015. The Arras born talent was soon snapped up by Lyon and has since made a name for himself for his brilliant work ethic and aggressive approach to the game.
The 22-year-old had a solid campaign at the Lyon Olympic Stadium after he put in some commanding displays at the heart of Bruno Genesio’s midfield last season. Tousart featured in 42 matches for the French outfit in the previous term, scoring one goal while grabbing one assist across multiple competitions.
On the defensive end, he made an average of 2.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 0.7 clearances per game in the French top-flight (stats via whoscored). Tousart has represented France at various youth levels and is currently the skipper of France’s Under-21 side, having featured in 18 international matches for them thus far.
What Will The French Midfielder Add To Marco Silva’s Side?
Tousart is a strong and dominant presence in midfield and can make some well-timed challenges for his side. He has a habit of making timely interceptions for his team but doesn’t offer much going forward. The Frenchman is also a tireless runner at the centre of the park which makes him one of the best defensive midfielders in the Ligue 1.
Recruiting Tousart will undoubtedly be a massive coup for the Toffees as he will be an ideal replacement for Idrissa Gueye. The Everton midfielder is close to sealing a move to Paris Saint-Germain before the start of the new campaign (via the Daily Express).
Thus, it makes sense for the Merseyside outfit to orchestrate a move for Tousart this summer so that they have a strong squad capable of competing on all fronts next season.
