Beto could now leave Everton, just 12 months after joining the club.
Everton splashed out £25.8 million to bring Beto to Merseyside from Udinese last summer, but he has since failed to make an impact.
The striker netted five goals in all competitions, while he managed only nine starts in the Premier League.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin retained his regular spot in the starting line-up when fit and is likely to do the same next season too, leaving Beto’s future in doubt.
The 26-year-old has now attracted interest from Atalanta, with Tutto Atalanta reporting that they are readying a £17m bid to bring him back to Serie A.
While it is significantly less than what the Toffees paid, Atalanta’s bid could spark movement and could leave Everton with a gap in their squad.
Sean Dyche has already brought in Iliman Ndiaye, though he isn’t an out-and-out striker and has only made one appearance in the Premier League.
Youssef Chermiti also remains on the books but definitely isn’t ready for top flight football yet, starting only once last season.
With Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems still a concern, Everton would surely have to bring in a capable replacement if Beto is to return to Italy.
Here are three strikers that they could look to sign…
- READ MORE: Anything could happen with ‘fantastic’ Everton player this summer with replacements looked at
Three strikers to replace Beto at Everton
Boulaye Dia
According to Corriere Dello Sport, Everton are already preparing a bid to sign Dia before the end of the transfer window.
The Toffees have been linked with a move for the striker since last summer, but he is yet to leave Salernitana.
Dia claimed 22 goal contributions in 33 games during the 2022-23 season, but managed only 12 starts the following campaign due to injury.
The 27-year-old could be a suitable replacement for Beto, but it is unclear how much he would set them back.
If they are to cut their losses with the Portuguese forward then they may not want to spend eight figures on another Serie A striker.
Armando Broja
Broja was very highly-rated following a successful loan spell that saw him score six times for Southampton.
The Albanian was tipped for another promising stint at Fulham after joining during the January transfer window, but the brilliant form of Rodrigo Muniz limited his game-time.
Broja is now wanted in Juventus, who would offer Everton huge competition if they wanted to snap him up.
The Toffees would definitely benefit from a loan deal though, but Chelsea may take some convincing.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Awoniyi could be a risky buy given his injury record, but when fit he can be a very good addition to the squad.
The Nigerian has 17 goals in 53 games for Nottingham Forest, while he claimed five goal contributions in the first five games of the 2023/24 season before struggling with a groin problem. He did manage nine goal contributions despite only making 13 starts, which is pretty impressive.
Awoniyi could now be on his way out this summer now and would be a decent back-up for Everton, though having two injury-stricken strikers could be an issue.
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