Everton could have another Mohammed Kudus on their hands this summer if the Blues fail to land their transfer target El Bilal Toure.
The Toffees are in a two-way battle for the Almeria forward with Serie A side Atalanta also chasing the Malian’s signature.
Everton’s chase for Toure seems to echo last summer’s pursuit of Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus, and no doubt the Toffees will want to avoid a repeat of such a disappointment.
Kudus was high on Everton’s transfer list last summer with a deal for the Ghanaian ostensibly in place as De Telegraaf reported that personal terms had been agreed.
However, the deal fell through at the eleventh hour with Ajax reluctant to sell another attacking star after Anthony’s £86m move to Manchester United.
Everton must do what it takes to sign El Bilal Toure
Everton struggled for both goals and creativity throughout last season and avoided relegation on the final day, just two points above the drop.
Indeed, with a total of 34 Premier League goals, Kudus could have been a gamechanger for Everton had he joined and would have no doubt had far more impact than the £15m Neal Maupay, who managed just one goal all season.
The Toffees now find themselves in a very similar position this summer in their pursuit of Almeria striker El Bilal Toure, and Manchester United could again inadvertently scupper Everton’s chances.
With Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, the Italian side reportedly see Toure as their top target to replace the wantaway forward.
It would be incredibly frustrating for Everton to miss out on such a prodigious young talent for the second consecutive summer, especially with the arrival of Arnaut Danjuma joining on loan, who could potentially form a frightening partnership with Toure.
However, with the transfer saga unresolved, it remains to be seen whether Everton will get their man, or have a repeat of last summer’s disappointment.