Everton transfer news as talks continue to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike
Everton are continuing efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike as several clubs join the hunt for his signature, according to Le Parisien.
According to the French publication (22 August), the Toffees are continuing talks with Ekitike’s entourage but are yet to make an offer to PSG for his signature.
Fabrizio Romano reported via Twitter on 9 August that the club had “concrete interest” in the young Frenchman and later followed up that the Ligue 1 giants wanted a “total package” worth €35million [£30m].
It’s reported that Everton along with West Ham and Eintracht Frankfurt have concretely positioned themselves in recent hours to bring in the Parisian striker.
Will be a tough battle
The Toffees’ interest in Ekitike is certainly a sign of their refreshing intentions in the transfer market this summer, with the club also targeting the likes of Leeds ace Wilfried Gnonto to follow up their Youssef Chermiti and Arnaut Danjuma additions.
Ekitike could indeed represent another marquee transfer for the Goodison Park faithful considering the potential and current attacking class the 21-year-old possesses in his weaponry.
Everton are desperate for strikers right now, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffering yet another injury problem which could see him on the sidelines for a period of time, and it is imperative Sean Dyche and the club are proactive in the market to secure a replacement.
Ekitike was actually on loan at PSG from Reims last season and struggled for regular minutes due to the plethora of talent in front of him in Messi, Mbappe and Neymar, scoring three goals and registering four assists in the league, still contributing positively as another title came their way.
Ekitike could be an extremely useful asset for Everton as he ranks within the top 3% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for assists per 90, as well as the highest 24% for successful take-ons per 90.
But where will he fit in with Youssef Chermiti the new kid on the block at Goodison Park? Dyche may not need another burgeoning forward talent but one guaranteed to bring goals.
In other Everton news, the Blues must make an approach for a brand new striker as a “cut-price” opportunity becomes available in the market.