Report: Olsen wanted back in Rome as Everton loan nears end
Everton goalkeeper Robin Olsen could find a place in Roma’s squad next season as his permanent transfer to Merseyside now appears unlikely.
Carlo Ancelotti is keen on retaining Olsen on a permanent basis this summer (Goal), having signed the Sweden international on a season-long loan before the season began.
The Italian coach has rotated Olsen with usual starting shot-stopper Jordan Pickford this season, with both players sharing the burden of the Premier League’s congested fixture schedule.
However Mail Online reported last week that Olsen isn’t keen on returning to Goodison Park next season, with his family understandably traumatised following a recent home break in.
According to CalcioMercato, Olsen could actually find himself needed at the Stadio Olimpico, with both Pau Lopez and Antonio Mirante seemingly on their way out.
Lopez and Mirante have both featured regularly for the Giallorossi this season, but CalcioMercato expects them both to leave the Italian capital in the next transfer window.
The report names Pierluigi Gollini and Alessio Cragno as potential replacements for one of the goalkeeping spots, while Olsen’s return from his loan deal could see him fill the other slot.
Needed on Merseyside
Though Roma may want to keep Olsen in Rome next season, Everton will miss out if they can’t convince him to return to Goodison Park.
Both Pickford and Olsen have failed to establish themselves as Everton’s absolute first-choice in goal.
However, the Swede has proven over the course of the season to be far less erratic than the England international.
Neither player should necessarily claim the gloves on a full-time basis, but in a summer where the Toffees will need to prioritise strengthening in other areas first, they could do without the additional hassle of finding a new shot-stopper.
Everton may need to pursue a new right-back, right-winger and a second striker this summer, while speculation suggests the club could consider centre-back and central midfield reinforcements too.
With all that taken into account, having a goalkeeper in place and ready to sign will ease the burden ahead of a crucial period for the club.
In other Everton news, Rio Ferdinand has showered praise on Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.