Everton have an eventful transfer window ahead of them as new coach Marco Silva is expected to make a number of exciting signings this summer.
They have been looking at players who can improve their first team and have now targeted West Ham United star Marko Arnautovic.
Silva Ready To Break The Bank For Arnautovic
The Hammers are also going into the transfer window with a new manager at the helm. Manuel Pellegrini, a onetime title winner in England, will want to sign players who fit into his style and might have to sell a few of the stars currently at the club. Arnautovic is one of many such names extensively linked with an exit.
A transfer target for Manchester United as well, the Austrian international is valued at £50m, and reports suggest that Everton are also ready to meet his valuation.
It is more than double the value West Ham paid for him last summer and is a tad expensive for a player who will turn 30 before the end of the next season. So is he a smart signing for Everton?
Arnautovic And His Style Of Play
A bullying attacker, who loves to make a nuisance of himself, Arnautovic picked up 11 goals and six assists in 28 league starts lasts season and created more chances than any other player at Everton. His contributions were crucial in keeping West Ham in the top flight for another season.
The fact that Stoke City failed to beat relegation, a season after letting him go, shows that he is capable of acting as the talisman for even the best sides in the country. A smart finisher, with great vision and technique, the 29-year old can play on either wing or as a false-9 with equal effect.
He is strong in the air and in hold up play but is also deceivingly good with his dribbling. He is usually protective of the ball and loves to dominate games, playing on the shoulder of the full-back or a centre-back. He is also impressive in build-up play, is patient and has loads of experience and is a decent acquisition for Everton.
Where Does He Fit In?
While Manchester United remain favourites to land Arnautovic, Everton can offer more game time than the Red Devils and could land him this summer.
The Toffees have Cenk Tosun, who showed decent promise late last season, as their first choice striker next season. Theo Walcott has also shown glimpses of finding some form but was the only other impressive attacker on a consistent basis in the second half of the season for Everton.
Gylfi Sigurdsson can play in the no.10 role while Davy Klaassen, Yannick Bolasie and Nikola Vlasic can all act as backups, leaving the left wing free for Arnautovic. At £50m, he might be a risk but is definitely a risk worth taking for Everton. But do you think they can beat Manchester United to his signature?