Everton made the perfect start to their new Premier League campaign on Saturday, but David Moyes wants to add to his attacking options before the deadline with a move for an experienced striker.
The Toffees secured a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opening the scoring before Thierno Barry added the second shortly after half-time.
Everton have already invested significantly in improving their squad, with five permanent signings made. Merlin Rohl, Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney all started against Palace, whereas Brennan Johnson came off the bench to face his former employers.
Moyes and co are trying to build a squad capable of progressing rather than simply maintaining their Premier League status, and now, a new forward could be next to arrive.
Everton and Arsenal hold Gabriel Jesus talks
According to reports relayed by Read Everton, fresh discussions have been held between Everton and Arsenal over a deal for Gabriel Jesus.
Talks are thought to be at an early stage, with Arsenal reportedly looking for around £20m for the Brazilian. Meanwhile, Everton are looking to pay between £12m-£15m.
The Gunners are seemingly open to a sale, with the 29-year-old into the final year of his contract at the Emirates. The forward was not involved in Arsenal’s squad for their opening fixture against Coventry, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres above the former Manchester City striker in the pecking order.
Should Everton sign Jesus, he could offer something different to both Barry and Beto.
|
Everton striker |
What they offer |
|
Thierno Barry |
The 23-year-old is Everton’s long-term option and possesses the physical and technical qualities to develop into their leading striker. |
|
Beto |
A powerful, direct No.9 who gives Moyes a physical presence and can be particularly useful when Everton want to play more directly. |
|
Gabriel Jesus |
Would offer greater Premier League experience, mobility and combination play, while also being capable of drifting into wider areas. |
Despite his injury problems and inconsistent scoring record at points, Jesus has won five Premier League titles and has extensive Champions League experience.
There is also one particular reason why Toffees supporters should know exactly how dangerous Jesus can be, as few opponents have suffered more at the hands of Jesus than Everton.
The Brazilian has faced the Toffees 13 times in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. Everton are actually the opposition who Jesus has scored the most Premier League goals against in his career, with his eight strikes coming from only 654 minutes of action – one goal every 82 minutes against the Toffees.
So perhaps the easiest way for Everton to finally stop Jesus scoring against them is simply to put him in a blue shirt.
Jesus turns 30 next April and Everton already have Barry and Beto competing for minutes through the middle. However, if Everton can keep him fit and get him firing again, a deal between £15-£20m could be a shrewd piece of business from those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and by the looks of things, it is one to keep a close eye on over the next week.
