Moussa Dembele could get a four-year deal worth around £85,000-a-week at Everton if the Lyon striker joins the Premier League outfit during the summer transfer window.
Sean Dyche, since taking over from Frank Lampard at Goodison Park, has only lost three out of nine Premier League games. A record which looks all-the-more impressive when you consider that Dyche has had to make do without his first-choice centre-forward during much of the last two months.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was conspicuous by his absence once again during Monday’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Demarai Gray got the nod against Spurs. Neal Maupay is struggling to convince. And Ellis Simms, despite that superb late strike against Chelsea recently, deemed not quite ready to start in a game of such magnitude.
So Everton, presuming their Financial Fair Play concerns allow, will almost certainly be prioritising a new number nine this summer. The likes of Beto and Duvan Zapata have been linked. But Dembele, a free-agent in July, is more affordable than the former and younger than the latter, Lyon already confirming that the former Celtic, Fulham and Paris Saint-Germain youngster is on his way out of the Groupama Stadium.
Everton eye Lyon striker Moussa Dembele
“It’s not a good situation for us to know that he’ll be on a free. We spent 22 million euros on him. (Dembele leaving for nothing) is a great regret,” OL director Vincent Ponsot grumbles.
“More and more players are released at the end of the contract. Obviously, it is their right (not to extend).”
Dembele has scored just three goals this season; overshadowed by the returning Alexandre Lacazette. He did, however, hit 22 last term. Showcasing the power, presence and technical ability required to lead the line in a Dyche team.
Everton, per French publication Jeunes Footeaux, are willing to offer Dembele a four-year deal worth around £85,000-a-week. Presuming, of course, the Toffees can stave off the threat of relegation over the next two months.
Interestingly, Dembele was one of Lampard’s leading targets in the January window. The 26-year-old was reportedly keen on a move to Goodison Park too.
Given how much Everton have improved under Dyche – survival now feeling increasingly likely – Dembele would surely be tempted again if the Merseysiders plan to renew their interest over the summer months.
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