Everton join the race to sign PSG want-away: Can the Toffees afford him?

Ronald Koeman’s Everton have flattered to deceive after spending quite a lot of money this past summer. Prior to the international break, they took on Burnley and slipped to a 0-1 defeat at Goodison Park, a result which leaves them 16th in the league table.

Having scored just four goals this season so far, the Toffees have failed to replace the clinical finishing of Romelu Lukaku, who moved to Old Trafford in the summer and with the fixtures only getting tougher in the coming weeks, Koeman is now planning for a stunning move for PSG star Edinson Cavani.

Transfer story

The Uruguayan international is easily one of the best goal-scorers in Europe at the moment, banging goals on a consistent basis in a less than competitive Ligue 1. He has also been productive in the European competitions and is right up there with the best in the business. However, the arrival of one Neymar Jr at Paris has now created a rift between the player and the club, which might drive him out in January.

And according to reports, Everton are reportedly one of the few clubs who are ready to make a move for him in the January transfer window.

It is unclear if PSG will let Cavani leave in January and at this point in time, it does sound like a whole lot of conjecture that has been re-reported by the British media as well, but if Everton can pull it off, it’d be some signing after what has already transpired this past summer.

Cavani and his record

A product of the Danubio academy in his hometown, Cavani made a name for himself in a three-season stint with Serie A giants Napoli, where he picked up 78 goals in 104 appearances for his side. He moved to PSG in 2013 and now has 95 goals in 140 league appearances in France.

Cavani has also been a major part of the Uruguay national team, scoring 38 goals in 94 appearances for his country, and has started this season with a bang, managing to score seven goals and providing two assists in seven league games.

At 30, he is one of the most experienced strikers around at the moment and can walk into most top teams in Europe. His strength and hold up play along with his ability to read the game and finish off chances is what makes him a dangerous player in front of goal.

He is a hard-working player and is expected to have an immediate impact in the English league as well, thanks to his attributes which are tailor-made for the Premier League.

Can Everton afford him?

The Toffees have a couple of problems with this deal. For starters, they will have to fight with clubs that can offer UCL football to Cavani and though regular playing time might negate it, they will also have to find the money to fund his transfer.

Cavani and his goal-scoring prowess will not come cheap and he is expected to cost north of £50m. Everton have already spent over £100m on summer recruits and though most of it was recouped from the sale of Lukaku, they will have to double their expenditure if they are to land Cavani.

He is a genuine game-changer but can Everton actually sign the 30-year old?