Before the January transfer window has even opened, West Ham and Everton have already been dealt a blow in the market.
What’s the story?
Well, the Premier League duo were believed to be eyeing a deal for Lille forward Jonathan Ikone, although that is now no longer possible.
It was Calciomercato who claimed that the Hammers and the Toffees were keen on signing the Frenchman.
Earlier today, Lille announced that the 23-year-old will join Fiorentina, with the move set to be made official when the window opens on January 3rd 2022.
It means David Moyes and Rafa Benitez must now look elsewhere, as a transfer target slips through their fingers.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian side will pay £13m to sign Ikone, who tends to operate on the right of the attack.
While it could certainly be deemed a blow for the Premier League duo, it isn’t the worst news given Ikone’s worrying form this term.
West Ham and Everton shouldn’t panic
So far this season, Ikone has only scored two goals in 25 appearances across all competition, while also registering two assists.
Four goal involvements for an attacker starting on a regular basis for the French champions is a very poor return, to say the least.
Clearly, Ikone is a good player, or else Fiorentina wouldn’t have spent £13m on his services – that is a significant sum in a market hit by COVID-19.
However, two goals in 25 games is nothing to shout about, so West Ham and Everton shouldn’t feel too down about missing out on the Bondy-born forward.
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