In a recent report, The Times has revealed that Everton are ready to offer Lucas Digne a new contract to fend off interest from Manchester City ahead of the January transfer window. It is understood that the Toffees are prepared to reward the French full-back with a fresh, lucrative deal to extend his stay at Goodison Park and ward off his many potential suitors in the process (via The Times).
Digne’s Sensational Form At Goodison Park This Season
Digne has made an impressive start to this campaign and seems to be getting better under the watchful eyes of Carlo Ancelotti at Merseyside. The French full-back has picked up four assists in 11 appearances for the Toffees this term across various competitions.
The 27-year-old has been quite productive with his performances in the Premier League where he is averaging 1.9 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 3.0 clearances and 2.0 key passes per game so far this season. He has also distributed the ball relatively well after making 80.2% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
The Meaux-born talent is currently playing some of the best football of his playing career, so there is no reason for him to seek a move elsewhere. Everton are improving under Ancelotti with each game and has got what it takes to compete for a major trophy this season which is why they need to keep hold of Digne for the long-run.
What Are The French International’s Best Attributes?
Digne has decent pace under his belt and has shown that he can make some promising runs down the left-wing. He is a good dribbler and possesses an outstanding work-ethic to do well for his team. The 34-time France international has also developed himself into a capable defender inside his half. He is often quick to scan the danger and can make some crucial interceptions and last-gasp clearances at the back when needed.
Everton Prepared To Offer Digne A New Deal: Wise Move For Ancelotti?
When fit, Digne is one of the first names in Ancelotti’s teamsheet due to his consistency in terms of his all-round impact on the left flank. He is currently Everton’s first-choice left-back by a country mile, so Ancelotti cannot afford to lose one of his first-team stars to another Premier League rival next month.
At 27, Digne is at the prime stage of his playing career, so the Toffees can expect to get the best out of him if they manage to tie him down to a new, long-term contract. His current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2023, so Everton will be under no pressure to sell him in January. Still, Ancelotti should reward the player with a lucrative contract extension because of the rapid strides Digne has taken towards improving himself over the past 18 months. With all things considered, the Merseyside club would be wise to offer the Frenchman a fresh deal to keep him content at Goodison Park in the coming seasons.