Everton told the £34m attacker David Moyes wants to sign has ‘talent comparable to Messi’

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton are preparing for a really busy summer transfer window ahead of its opening on the 1st of June.

David Moyes wants to overhaul the attacking ranks, with goals really plaguing Everton’s development in recent years.

Moyes had hoped to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, and talks were reportedly positive, but it looks like he’s closing in on a move to Chelsea.

Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade is also an option for the Toffees after his prolific season in the Bundesliga, netting 17 times.

The Scotsman desperately wants to sign a wide player, too, and one of their rumoured targets has been likened to Lionel Messi.

• READ MORE: What Enzo Maresca has just done in Chelsea’s Conference League Final should give Everton major transfer boost

Everton target Rayan Cherki compared to Lionel Messi

Everton have been tracking Lyon’s Rayan Cherki for a few months now after his sensational season in Ligue 1.

The 2003-born winger has netted 12 goals whilst laying on 20 assists, taking his total goal involvements to a whopping 32 for the campaign.

Such form has alereted Merseyside rivals Liverpool, too, with the clubs recently informed it’d take a £34m offer to strike a deal.

Cherki walked off the pitch in tears in the final game of the season, so it’s pretty evident he’s expected to leave.

If Everton do manage to land his signature, it’d be a real statement of intent from the Friedkins, as Lyon’s former president Jean-Michel Aulas reckons his technique is comparable to Messi’s.

“Rayan has a talent comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technique,” Aulas said earlier this year.

Cherki’s teammate Alexandre Lacazette says he’s similar to Mesut Ozil

Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has also waxed lyrical about his now Lyon teammate Rayan Cherki, likening him to Mesut Ozil.

“Rayan, in everyday life, is a bit special, different and on the pitch, you see that too. This season, he has managed to raise his level,” Lacazette explained.

“I would put Ozil in a different category but, with time, Rayan can get close to him.”

Quite clearly, the Toffees are aiming high with their interest in Cherki, but with the draw of the new Hill Dickinson Stadium and the Friedkins’ lofty ambitions, perhaps they could tempt him to make the switch to Finch Farm.

A telling summer awaits.