Everton are reportedly keen on Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi.
Francesco Acerbi defends against Mario Mandzukic
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Everton are interested in luring Sassuolo star Francesco Acerbi to the Premier League this summer following Leicester’s failed bid for the defender.
The Toffees brought in Ashley Williams from Swansea City last summer to boost their back line, but both he and Phil Jagielka are over 30, and Ramiro Funes Mori hasn’t proven himself as a top Premier League defender.
Another centre back should be a priority for Everton this summer, and whilst fans are focusing on English talents such as Harry Maguire, Ben Gibson and Michael Keane, it seems that the Toffees have on eye on a Serie A star.
Tutto Mercato Web report that Everton are keen on Sassuolo star Francesco Acerbi, who has emerged as one of Italian football’s top centre backs.
Sassuolo’s Francesco Acerbi in action with Juventus star Paulo Dybala
Acerbi, a 6ft 4in defender, had spells with Pavia, Renate, Spezia, Reggina, Genoa, Chievo and Milan before becoming a star with Sassuolo, racking up more than 100 appearances for the Serie A club.
Capped twice by Italy in a fiercely-competitive defensive battle, Acerbi is one of the most underrated centre backs in Europe, possessing great size, aerial ability and reading of the game.
Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi challenges Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi
At 29, fans may not be too keen to see Acerbi join an already ageing Everton defence, but he certainly has the quality to make an impact in the Premier League – something Leicester City felt as well.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Leicester abandoned their pursuit of Acerbi in January after having three bids rejected by Sassuolo, the latter of which was worth £12million – meaning Everton will have to go higher than that to land their man this summer.
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