Carlo Ancelotti used to call Arsenal defender ‘every night’ to convince him to sign for Everton

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David Moyes will be hoping to replicate some of Carlo Ancelotti’s arrivals at Everton this summer.

Ancelotti’s first summer at Everton back in 2020 brought hope to the Toffees as it was an exciting summer to say the least.

The likes of James Rodriguez walked through the door as Ancelotti was seemingly building a dynasty with Everton.

Unfortunately, the Italian didn’t remain at Goodison Park for too long, but Ancelotti is a ‘true Everton fan’.

Although he made solid signings this summer, one player who could’ve arrived would’ve taken it to another level.

Carlo Ancelotti almost signed Arsenal’s Gabriel for Everton

Ancelotti was a presence that made Everton the feel-good club they’ve always been, and that feeling looks to be returning with Moyes in charge.

The project under the Scotsman looks promising, and they will now try to emulate Ancelotti’s time at the club.

Of course, the hope is that his own time can be replicated, but The Friedkin Group are taking it one step at a time with their proposed £100m budget.

Well, the Italian took the approach of going all out, and in 2020, attempted to sign Arsenal centre-back Gabriel.

The Brazilian is arguably the best central defender in the Premier League, but speaking to Podpah, he could’ve been wearing the blue of Everton.

“Gattuso (Napoli) used to call me every morning and Ancelotti (Everton) every night (to convince me to sign for them),” Gabriel said.

“At the last minute, I received a phone call from Edu telling me: Arteta will call you. Napoli would even pay more than Arsenal.”

READ MORE: Everton fans are all convinced one thing will happen if David Moyes signs Evan Ferguson

Moyes needs to try and replicate Gabriel signing at Everton

Everton have had many scenarios where they’ve missed out on players who would’ve flourished in the Premier League.

The main one in recent years fans talk about is Denzel Dumfries who Rafa Benitez didn’t want and a signing never came to fruition.

With Gabriel now added to the list, Moyes will hope he can avoid a blunder of missing out on a player who could revolutionise the squad.

A centre-back signing is unlikely, but if Jarrad Branthwaite does depart this summer, the opportunity to replicate Gabriel’s £29m arrival to Arsenal is on the table.