Anthony Onifade

Sat 15 July 2023 6:54, UK

Everton are closing in on their second signing of the summer with a deal close for Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto, according to Sky Sport Italia.

The Toffees have identified the Italy international as a target for the summer window following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship, with a potential multi-million-pound deal on the cards to get him out of Elland Road.

Italian Sportitalia journalist, Michele Criscitiello, taking to his personal Twitter account (10 July), Everton are closing in on their top target this summer, and that has also now been relayed by Sky Italia late on Friday night (14 July, 11:59pm).

“The English club is ever closer to closing for the striker of our national team. The class of 2003 could therefore continue his adventure in England”, Sky Italia writes.

Excellent first business

It finally seems as if Everton are starting to make long-awaited moves in the transfer market to address their dire attacking situation and signing a player of Gnonto’s ilk as a first seal is simply excellent business.

The 19-year-old has indeed enjoyed a stellar first season in England, contributing four goals and four assists in 23 appearances in all competitions but more crucially possesses amazing trickery, 1v1 dribbling, pace and technical skill to unlock even the best defences in the Premier League.

Credit to the Toffees for staving off competition elsewhere to secure an agreement for his signature, despite their uncertain state behind-the-scenes but it was clear Dyche needed reinforcements in attack following their dreadful goal-scoring record last season.

The Leeds man can now continue his development in a league that needs and requires talents like his and Dyche gets himself an attacking gem to kickstart his revolution at Goodison Park.

This is a great move for all parties involved.

In other Everton news, club sources respond after a Spanish La Liga club director confirmed an Everton bid for a striker hotshot this summer.