According to Milan Live, Everton are seriously interested in signing Jonathan Ikone, who is a long-term target for the Toffees.
What’s the story?
Well, Everton’s interest in Ikone comes after Le Foot claimed that Carlo Ancelotti wanted to sign the 23-year-old in 2020.
Now, under new management with Rafa Benitez, it seems Marcel Brands has kept Everton’s interest in the Frenchman alive.
However, Milan Live believe it will take a significant amount of money to sign Ikone, who LOSC Lille paid just €5m (£4m) for.
West Ham are also credited with a serious interest in the forward.
So far this season, Ikone hasn’t done too much to set the footballing world alight, scoring just two goals in 17 appearances.
He did, however, win the Man of the Match award as LOSC Lille beat Sevilla 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
In that respect, Ikone’s form could be about to improve.
What could Jonathan Ikone offer Everton?
Well, as much as Ikone is a natural forward, he actually models his game on Mesut Özil as he tends to find himself in the No.10 area quite often.
As quoted by Ligue 1, the Bondy-born attacker said: “I was mostly attracted to dribbling growing up, but having been put into the No.10 position I’ve become more interested in those who can unlock a game, like Özil. Today, I dribble less, I’ve tried to simplify my game and become better and providing beautiful passes, the final pass before a goal.”
Now, that is very interesting, as it shows Ikone is not only focused on scoring goals, but making them when in the right areas.
It suggests to us that he is an unselfish forward, who would operate well in attack alongside Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
As much as Everton could do with another goalscorer, a creator is also required after the departure of James Rodriguez.
There is a glaring hole in the No.10 position for Everton, and Benitez must work with Brands to fix it as soon as possible.
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