Everton have been heavy spenders in the transfer market over the last few seasons, and have made two signings ahead of the 2019-20 season, signing Andre Gomes on a permanent deal after his loan spell last season, as well as Fabian Delph from Manchester City. The Toffees are now rumoured to be interested in signing Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.
The Merseyside club are reportedly willing to put in a bid of £55 million for the former Manchester United player, as per Daily Mail. Palace have stamped a £100 million price tag on the Ivorian international, but Everton are willing to spend as much as £70 million for the 26-year-old, as per the report. Arsenal had put in a bid of £40 million for Zaha which was rejected by Palace.
Zaha was in fine form for the London club last season, scoring 10 goals and assisting 10 times for the club in 34 games. In his second spell at the club, after his dismal stint with Manchester United, the attacker has scored 35 times in 180 games for the Eagles. He is Palace’s most important player, which is why the London club want to do everything in their power to keep him.
Wise move by Silva?
Everton manager Marco Silva has put together an exciting squad with several flair players in his side. The addition of Wilfried Zaha to their team would certainly bolster the squad and push them to challenge for at least a top 6 slot in the Premier League next season.
But, Everton do not need another winger in their squad on a priority basis as they currently have several wide players. The two Brazilian wingers – Richarlison and Bernard, offer Silva options on the left, while the former can also play on the right. Zaha is a left-sided winger which means that one of, if not both, of the Brazilian wide men will not find a place in the starting XI. Everton also have the experienced Theo Walcott in their ranks, who can play wide right.
Yes, they might look to secure a replacement for Ademola Lookman but what Everton need is a striker who can score 20-25 goals in a season, which is certainly not the kind of player that Zaha is. Silva should instead spend the money allocated for the Zaha signing to sign a top-quality goalscorer, which is one area that Everton lack a quality player.
