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Everton continue to push for a striker in the final hour, Samuel Chukwueze update emerges
Everton are still prioritising a striker within the final hour of the transfer window despite the task getting ever harder, according to Fraser Fletcher.
With Ben Brereton Diaz now staying at Blackburn after neither the Toffees nor Fulham were able to match the asking price of Venkys [Sky Sports] one of the primary candidates to fill the void in Frank Lampard’s transfer business is off the table.
They haven’t given up yet though but the picture is looking bleak now, as it is with the pursuit of Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze who it seems the chances of signing before the impending deadline may have gone.
Former BBC journalist Fletcher wrote on his personal Twitter account as the window ticked into the final hour on Thursday (1 September): “Everton Update.
“Striker still a priority, as things stand they may miss out.
“Chukwueze extremely difficult and less and less likely now.
“Onana, Mcneil, Maupay, Tarkowski, Coady, Vinagre, Garner and Gueye the done deals.
“1 hour to go”.
Haul
Getting the dual deals for midfielders Idrissa Gueye and James Garner over the line on the final day is undoubtedly a big positive for Lampard and his options going forward.
Another attacking option would have been the icing on the cake in light of how the team has failed to score more than a single goal in any of the Premier League games so far.
Neal Maupay’s arrival, and above all successfully seeing off the threat from Chelsea to sign Anthony Gordon softens the blow if they do miss out on Chukwueze or any other strikers in the final throws of the window.
The home-grown star has been leading from the front in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, so keeping him in the side is as good as any signing.
He should be more effective once Maupay can finally see the field, and with a midfield that looks as solid as any in the league behind him there is a strong platform to build from.
Goals are the key though so if there is still a late surprise to be sprung in that department it would really give the fans something to cheer as the first Merseyside derby of the campaign approaches.