Everton’s attacking situation is a real problem, and one that Kevin Thelwell would have liked to have fixed before the start of the Premier League season.
However, despite having bolstered the squad, including with two new forwards, neither started in their opening-day demolition at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion, drawing scrutiny from the fans.
Sean Dyche‘s explanation sought to suggest that a lack of Premier League experience kept Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom out of the team, and so perhaps if he is to try and inject a bit more firepower before the window slams shut, he would opt for someone who knows the league already.
Fortunately, he has just that target, although whether he would improve the squad remains to be seen.
Everton prepare bid for Eddie Nketiah
The latest on Everton’s pursuit of a new striker comes courtesy of TEAMtalk, who suggest that the Toffees are finally ready to bid for one Premier League marksman after plenty of speculation on his future.
The report reads: ‘Finally, multiple reports state Everton are preparing a loan bid for Nketiah who is way down the pecking order in the striker position.
‘Marseille and Bournemouth both sought to sign Nketiah earlier in August. However, after seeing two bids rejected and baulking at Arsenal’s €30m/£25.8m demands, Marseille went on to sign Elye Wahi from Rennes instead.
‘Bournemouth also swerved Nketiah after moving for FC Porto’s Evanilson to take the place vacated through Dominic Solanke’s transfer to Tottenham.
‘That’s left Arsenal scrambling to find a new suitor for Nketiah who is willing to leave in order to play regularly elsewhere.
‘Everton are understood to be readying a loan bid, though Arsenal would prefer a permanent sale.
‘A loan that contains an obligation to buy could serve as a worthy compromise.’
Everton are also interested in Armando Broja, and could opt for the Chelsea man should the Gunners stand firm on their ridiculously large price tag for Nketiah.
Would Eddie Nketiah be a Dominic Calvert-Lewin upgrade?
Realistically, whoever Everton decide to bring in as a striker has to be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin, given it is he who they would be replacing.
So, it makes for worrying viewing when comparing the two, given Nketiah does not really come close to the 27-year-old.
After all, despite being just two years his junior, he has only amassed 116 Premier League appearances, compared to Calvert-Lewin’s 214.
And, during that time playing in the division, Nketiah’s pitiful tally of 19 goals pails in comparison to the 54 that his potential predecessor has managed in royal blue.
And that’s without mentioning the difference in their physical profiles too, with Calvert-Lewin standing at 6 foot 3 and boasting some of the best hold-up play in Europe.
Meanwhile, more of a small poacher, Arsenal’s 25-year-old would likely flounder as a lone striker expected to compete for every aerial duel under Dyche’s guidance.
Calvert-Lewin’s reluctance to sign a new Everton contract makes this whole situation even more worrying as well, if Nketiah is the type of signing that Thelwell is considering as an alternative.
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