View: Everton should steer clear of Rennes midfielder Nzonzi this summer
Rennes midfielder and reported Everton target Steven Nzonzi could be available this summer, however the Blues should stay well clear.
FootMercato reported in January that Everton were watching the Frenchman’s situation with interest, having been linked with the player repeatedly throughout his career.
FootMercato’s latest report concerning Nzonzi explained that Rennes have no intention of turning the midfielder’s loan deal permanent, with the 32-year old having signed on loan from Roma last summer.
With Nzonzi not wanted by Rennes it appears as though he could become available this summer, with Roma unlikely to welcome him back into the fold. However, the Toffees should look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
First and foremost, Nzonzi is on the wrong side of 30, and Everton need to recruit younger talent. After signing Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure last summer, the Blues are accruing a squad of more experience players.
Seamus Coleman, Fabian Delph, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Allan are all 30 or above, while Rodriguez, Bernard, Josh King, Michael Keane, and Doucoure are all within two years of 30.
Should Everton opt to sign a midfielder this summer, they’d be better off focusing on targets that could benefit the club more in the long-term.
Additionally, Nzonzi is on huge wages of over £100,000 at Rennes according to Salary Sport which should further put Everton off making a move as they look to cut down on their wage bill.
Rennes currently sit eighth in Ligue 1, and if they deem Nzonzi unworthy of a permanent deal at Roazhon Park then Everton should be put off, especially given that they’re chasing Champions League qualification.
The World Cup-winning midfielder was once a very capable player, known for impressing in the Premier League with both Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers, while also impressing for La Liga outfit Sevilla.
However the France international is no longer at his best, and if Everton want to continue to develop under Carlo Ancelotti they’ll need to eye better potential recruits.
In other Everton news, Robin Olsen is unlikely to remain at Goodison Park beyond the current season.