Everton are set to battle Arsenal for the free transfer of Zenit St Petersburg forward Sardar Azmoun next summer with Farhad Moshiri and Marcel Brands big fans, according to 90min.
The Toffees want to explore potential centre-forward signings with Richarlison’s future at Goodison Park uncertain. Paris Saint-Germain explored a move for the Brazilian to replace Kylian Mbappe this summer, and Eurosport previously noted the Ligue 1 side remain keen.
Richarlison is likely to angle for a transfer away from Everton next year, too, and club chiefs of the Merseyside outfit consider Zenit star Azmoun a possible replacement for the striker.
Everton owner Moshiri has liked Azmoun for some time, while Director of Football Brands also admires the 26-year-old. The Dutch chief also looked into a move for the Iran attacker while at PSV Eindhoven before moving to Goodison.
The pair are now ready to act on their interest by plotting a transfer for Zenit’s Azmoun to join Everton. The Blues will mount a strong bid for the 60-cap international, who is out of contract next summer.
Everton to battle Arsenal for Azmoun transfer, but Zenit star has eyes elsewhere
Everton may face significant opposition with a host of sides also interested in a transfer for Zenit ace Azmoun. The striker is enjoying a strong term so far, with nine goals in 20 games.
Arsenal, like Everton, are also interested in a transfer to prise Azmoun from Zenit next year. Onze Mondial have claimed the Gunners are keeping close tabs on his situation in Russia.
However, his agent has poured cold on a January switch. He told Match TV, via Soccer RU, in October: “Azmoun will not leave Zenit.
“If he leaves the club, it will definitely not be this season. At Zenit, he receives over €6m-a-year (£99k-a/w). I don’t think the French [club, Lyon] will offer him that kind of money.”
Also, Championat have poured cold on a move to England after claiming he prefers a move to Germany’s Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen explored a deal this summer and Azmoun gave serious thought to joining Die Werkself, but Zenit turned down their best offer at the time.
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