In a recent report, La Lazio Siamo Noi stated that Atalanta keeper Pierluigi Gollini is on Everton‘s radar this summer. However, it has been revealed that the Toffees could face competition in the form of Lazio and Fiorentina in pursuit of the Italian custodian during this summer transfer window (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).
Gollini’s Solid Form In Italian Football Last Season
Gollini was a consistent feature for the Italian outfit in the previous campaign when he produced a run of impressive displays in goal for them in Serie A. The 26-year-old participated in 32 matches for Atalanta last season, conceding 32 goals and securing 13 clean sheets in the process across all competitions.
The Italian keeper did well to average 0.7 clearances and 5.2 long balls per game in the 2020-21 Serie A campaign. However, he needs to improve his accuracy when distributing the ball after completing 73.2% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Gollini has taken great strides towards improving himself at the Gewiss Stadium, but there are some concerns over whether he can maintain his good form in the Premier League if Everton can win the race for his services in this off-season.
Should The Toffees Move In For Gollini This Summer?
Gollini has decent reflexes in his locker and can make some quick dives to come to his team’s rescue. He can pull off a few impressive saves at the back and is usually a solid handler of the ball when coming out to collect crosses and loose balls inside his penalty box.
The Italian talent can also get a lot of distance with his clearances but needs to be more accurate when passing the ball to his teammates. Gollini is still unproven at the highest level but has what it takes to serve as a decent back-up to Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park in the coming seasons.
At 26, Gollini is entering the prime years of his playing career, so Everton boss Rafael Benitez can expect to get the best out of him if he can find a way to get a deal done for him before the start of the new campaign. The Atalanta goalie could even rival Pickford for a regular starting place at the Merseyside club due to the English keeper’s inconsistent form at times in Premier League football. All in all, Benitez would be wise to move in for Gollini during this summer transfer period as he will help his team challenge for a major trophy over the next few years.
