Everton may now target Lyon centre-forward Moussa Dembele this summer with the 26-year-old available on a free transfer.
Indeed, the Blues have been heavily linked with a move for AS Roma attacker Tammy Abraham but may be priced out of a move for the England international.
However, BBC Sport have also reported that Abraham could be absent for ‘an indefinite period‘ due to a horrific ACL injury, meaning that the injury could also be a contributing factor to Everton’s seeming loss of interest.
Dembele himself has also been linked with the Toffees since last January, but his availability on a free transfer may now see him make the switch to Goodison Park.
That is according to inews, who report that the club intend to explore who is available on a free, as well as taking advantage of the loan market.
The report also states that Sean Dyche has requested at least two new centre-forwards this summer, which is sure to be music to the ears of Everton fans.
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Everton must do everything they can to get Dembele deal done
Dembele could be an interesting signing for Everton, and at 26-years-old, he should be approaching his prime.
With 26 goals in 55 league games during his time at Celtic, the forward earned himself a high-profile move to French side Lyon in a £19.7m deal in 2018.
The France-born striker has scored an impressive 56 league goals in 129 games during his time at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
However, in 23 games in Ligue 1 last season, Dembele managed just three goals in a poor campaign for the forward.
His 2021/22 campaign was much more prolific, with 21 goals in 30 league games in France, also contributing four assists.
Everton desperately need investment upfront and if finances remain tight at the club then Moussa Dembele on a free transfer could be a shrewd signing for Sean Dyche’s side.
This could be an enormous summer for the Blues, and the club cannot afford to repeat the mistakes it has made in recent transfer windows.