Everton are set to enter the race to sign Johan Bakayoko.
According to reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Everton are keen to fight for the signature of Johan Bakayoko, with Crystal Palace and French giants PSG also keen on the PSV Eindhoven man.
The Dutch outfit want at least €30 million for the forward, which equates to about £26 million.
The 20-year-old is in high demand this summer, and PSV will be keen to see a bidding war instigated in these final days of the transfer window. Whether Everton, or Crystal Palace for that matter, could compete financially with a determined PSG remains to be seen.
It isn’t surprising that there is such interest in Bakayoko. The Belgian attacker is hugely talented and has massive potential.
The young winger, who came through PSV’s academy system, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, scoring nine goals and registering six assists across 39 appearances in all competitions. He has already racked up four assists in just three Eredivisie outings this season.
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Is Johan Bakayoko what Everton need right now?
However, a question remains as to whether Bakayoko is the kind of player Everton need right now. Sean Dyche’s primary focus must be on acquiring a striker who can lead the line and reliably find the back of the net. The recent arrivals of Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison also mean that the Toffees are relatively well-stocked in the wide areas.
On top of that, given Everton look set for another season spent struggling to avoid relegation, they need players with experience under their belt. Bakayoko is raw and potentially not ready for the pressures that will come with playing at Goodison Park this season.
There is also an argument that the Merseyside club should be looking to bring in a centre-back in what remains of the transfer window.
For all his talent, Bakayoko doesn’t represent the type of player Everton should be prioritising at this stage.