Everton’s movements in the transfer market this summer have been made with intelligence and speed thus far, barring a couple of unfortunate transfer sagas.
Their inability to tempt Jaden Philogene to Goodison Park was likely down to a troublesome agent than anything else, but a winger is still a much-needed asset.
Kevin Thelwell will know he has plenty of the summer left, but then will also want to give the new man as much time as possible to integrate into Sean Dyche’s squad.
Therefore, time is of the essence.
However, whilst he seeks to conjure up a viable alternative, it seems attention has drifted elsewhere on the pitch, as the Toffees now have their sights set on a defender.
Everton want Federico Gatti
With the news that Amadou Onana will leave Everton, someone to fill that void is now needed for a cut price if they are to capitalise on the huge PSR windfall that this sale will bring.
However, already those funds seem set to be reinvested elsewhere, with Federico Gatti one target that Dyche had outlined. That was, until his move for the player was met with a blunt and immediate response.
The latest comes courtesy of Italian outlet Tuttosport, who claim that Newcastle United, West Ham United and the Toffees are all chasing the Italian.
‘Highly appreciated’ in England, the Juventus centre-back reportedly has spoken to all three of the interested Premier League parties, but said no due to his desire to remain in Italy.
It remains to be seen whether Everton will keep pushing for this deal, or abandon the pursuit and look elsewhere.
Who is Federico Gatti?
Having joined Juventus in 2022, spending the start of his career there on loan with Frosinone, Gatti has already bounced about his homeland, featuring for seven different clubs both permanently and on loan.
However, his fortunes took a turn with his most recent switch, which sparked his emergence into the Italian national team.
His is a real rags-to-riches story, having come up from amateur football, winning the Serie B player of the year, gaining his big move and now establishing himself as a mainstay in one of Italy’s biggest clubs.
Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig even branded him an ‘absolute hero‘ of his current club for his form last year.
Standing at 6 foot 4, he is a formidable presence at the back, but enjoying part of his career in midfield has developed his vision and passing too to make him a fine modern-day asset.
Although this deal seems somewhat unlikely due to his reluctance to leave, Gatti would represent a fine signing were Everton to pull off a miracle.
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