Kevin Campbell believes Everton will target Rafael Leao in summer
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that Everton should be exploring forward options this summer, despite Carlo Ancelotti saying otherwise.
Earlier this week the Italian coach played down speculation that he could explore the possibility of signing a striker in the summer transfer window. [Guardian]
Ancelotti explained that with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Josh King and Moise Kean, the Toffees would have enough depth in that area of the pitch, while Richarlison could also play up front too.
However former Everton striker Campbell believes that Everton should consider adding to the position if they are to qualify for Europe next season, or do well in the competition should they qualify before the end of the current campaign.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell said: “I wouldn’t be surprised about Everton pursuing the lad from AC Milan [Rafael Leao]. Moise Kean is probably going to be sold because he’s done really well [at PSG] and they’d make good money on him.
“Ellis Simms is a decent young player but he’s not started any games in the Premier League so he’s just starting out in his career, for me it’s too much to ask, especially when you have ambitions of getting into Europe.
“Everton are looking to progress and they are making progress in the league. Next season, let’s say they just miss out or got into Europe, either or, they’re expected to have a better season next year, so you’re expecting better players to come into the football club.”
Though Ancelotti has declared that signing a striker won’t be a priority in the summer, it seems as though outgoings could force the Everton manager to reconsider his stance.
Kean appears destined to leave Goodison Park this summer after settling so well in Paris, while there has been no further discussion regarding King’s future as an Everton player.
Furthermore Cenk Tosun is expected to be out for a portion of the season after sustaining a lengthy injury recently, leaving Ancelotti with a dearth of options unless he decides to invest.
It has been said that Everton will need to spend at least £43.4million in order to sign former target Rafael Leao from AC Milan this summer.
In other Everton news, Blues defender wanted by high-flying club but Brands sets £17m+ demand.
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