Nico Gaitan would be a better signing than Theo Walcott for Everton

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Everton are reportedly favourites to sign Theo Walcott, but Nico Gaitan would be a better signing for them.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Everton are emerging as favourites to beat Southampton in the race to land Arsenal forward Theo Walcott.

The 28-year-old winger has struggled for regular games this season, and he is on the periphery of Arsene Wenger’s first-team plans.

The England international would cost around £20 million, and Everton are confident that they can sign Walcott in the January transfer window.

However, Everton should consider exploring the idea of signing Nicolas Gaitan from Atletico Madrid instead of Walcott.

According to reports from Spanish publication Marca, Everton and Southampton are interested in the 29-year-old winger, who has struggled to make an impact for the Rojiblancos.

Gaitan moved to Madrid just 18 months ago from Portuguese giants Benfica, but has struggled to nail down a first team place under Diego Simeone. The club is looking to cash in on him, and they expect to get around £18 million from his sale.

Walcott brings pace and directness, but what he badly lacks is tactical understanding. Wenger has struggled all these years to use him properly despite his vast potential.

Playing on the wings limits his potential as he doesn’t have the trickery and guile to get past players, nor does he have the ability to create space without the ball. Put it simply, he is one dimensional, and that is why he struggles to play upfront, because modern day strikers bring more to the game than just scoring goals.

Gaitan, on the other hand, is a smart footballer. He may take time to settle, but he could be a solid addition if he gets going and recaptures his Benfica form. First of all being a left-footer, he can play on either wing, and can operate as a no 10 behind the striker.

With Bolasie now back in action, Everton need a versatile winger who can operate in tandem with him. Gaitan would add more creativity to the side than Walcott, and that is why he is the one Everton should get their hands on rather than the Arsenal forward.