LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer Transfer News

Report: Everton make contact to sign £25m man likened to Iniesta, he admires Benitez

Photo by Miquel Llop/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Miquel Llop/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover
MONACO, MONACO - NOVEMBER 25: Aleksandr Golovin of Monaco looks on during the UEFA Europa League group B match between AS Monaco and Real Sociedad at Stade Louis II on November 25, 2021 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

According to Championat, Everton have made contact with Monaco over the signing of Aleksandr Golovin as they look to bring him to the Premier League.

What’s the story?

Well, the Toffees have made their move for the Russia international, who set the 2018 World Cup alight with his impressive ability.

Championat believe Everton have been in touch with Monaco, and the signs are positive.

Golovin – who Monaco paid €30m (£25m) for – is said to be a huge fan of Rafa Benitez, and is therefore interested in a move to Goodison Park.

The 25-year-old also feels he has completed his ‘mission’ at Monaco, and is now ready to take the next step.

However, Everton will have to pay a significant sum if they’re to bring the 45-cap Russia international to Merseyside.

Championat believe Monaco are demanding a sum in the region of €40m – €50m (£33m – £42m) for their No.17, who is considered a key player.

West Ham are also said to be interested, although the Hammers, nor the Toffees, have made a concrete offer at the time of writing.

What could Aleksandr Golovin bring to Everton?

Aleksandr Golovin of Russia passes the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H European qualification football match between Russia and Cyprus on November 11, 2021 at Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images

You may not have heard of Golovin, and if that is the case, you might appreciate a comparison to a better known footballer.

In that respect, Everton fans will be pleased to know that the attacking midfielder has been likened to Spanish icon Andres Iniesta.

It was Goal who described Golovin as Russia’s answer to the 37-year-old, who now captains Vissel Kobe in Japan.

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 20: Andres Iniesta of Vissel Kobe in action during the J.League Meiji Yasuda J1 36th Sec. match between Yokohama FC and Vissel Kobe at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

If he’s even 30% of the player Iniesta was in his prime, then Everton shouldn’t hesitate to meet Monaco’s hefty asking price.

After all, it’s a necessity – Benitez doesn’t have any standout attacking midfielders in his squad at the moment, so reinforcements are needed.