The Lyon attacker is yet to prove his quality on a consistent basis but there’s no doubting his self-confidence.
There’s a reason why Ronald Koeman made the ostensibly sidewards step from Southampton to Everton. It’s the same reason why Romelu Lukaku is set to sign a new contract to remain at Goodison Park.
Because Everton is a club undergoing a transformation like never before. It is, what Lyon forward Rachid Ghezzal may call, an ‘ambitious project’, as reported by Gazzetta Dello Sport, page 34 (09/03).
Backed by billionaire shareholder Farhad Moshiri, The Toffees have their eyes set on the Champions League and, to take them to the Promised Land, Everton are almost unrecognisable in the transfer market. Rather than snooping for bargains like in the shoestring David Moyes era, they are now making big bids for the likes of Yacine Brahimi, Morgan Schneiderlin and Franck Kessie.
Now, Lyon’s Rachid Ghezzal may not cost Everton a penny with his contract expiring at the end of the season but, according to The Sun, they are still willing to splash out £100,000 a week in wages to tempt him to Goodison Park.
And, although the Algerian has not yet decided on his future destination, his aims appear to fit hand in hand with those of Everton.
“The proposals are being studied. I want an ambitious project, in France or abroad,” Ghezzal told Gazzetta Dello Sport, reported on page 34 (09/03).
“Maybe I have more affinity with Spanish football, but I do not rule out the Premier League or Serie A.”
Ghezzal has failed to hit the heights of his breakthrough 2015/16 campaign but there’s no doubting his character and ambition.
If Everton can ensure he has he quality to match, he will be a fine addition to their squad.
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