Everton are looking to bolster their attack, and could swoop in for Olympique Lyonnais forward Bertrand Traore in the upcoming transfer window.
According to a report from LiverpoolEcho, Everton boss Marco Silva and Director of Football Marcel Brands have upped their efforts to sign the former Chelsea man, who has impressed ever since moving to Ligue 1.
The 23-year-old has 15 goal contributions in 46 appearances for Lyon across all competitions. In addition, he has scored 11 times.
However, the forward has seen a dip lately, making only two starts in the last two months.
Bertrand Traore to Everton: The player Everton need
Traore is a versatile forward, who mainly features as a right-winger but has shown the ability to change wings or play up front as a centre-forward.
Everton have lacked a certain pedigree in the final third, with Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin misfiring big time.
The latter gave some hope with his selfless performances throughout the season but for Tosun, the writing might be on the wall. Bernard and Theo Walcott are other names who have not been stellar for the Toffees, especially the former Arsenal winger and for the Merseyside club to finish in a European place, signing a proven goal-getter is imperative.
Bernard has put in impressive displays and his work-rate has stood out but he will look to improve on his end product, the lack of which might put his starting spot in jeopardy in the future.
Traore exhibits certain skills that could make Silva’s job a lot easier. The 23-year-old has a certain knack for dribbling, passing, and holding on to the ball in tight spaces. He can cut in from the right and can pose some serious threat to the opposition.
The attacker’s acceleration on the counter-attack is another one of his attributes which would suit Silva’s system at Everton. The former Chelsea forward is quite unselfish, and a team player who likes to do lay-offs for his teammates.
With Gylfi Sigurdsson in the midfield, Traore on the right, Richarlison on the left and quality fullbacks like Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne marauding down the flanks, Everton can wreak havoc on the opposition in the transition phases of the game. The only downside to the forward’s game is his crossing which is quite essential in England and he must work on it in order to succeed.
The age factor also plays in Traore’s favour, who is a budding young talent and can elevate his game to the next level in a certain set-up under a good manager like Silva. All in all, this sounds like a fruitful signing for the Toffees which can once again help them knock on the doors of European football.
