Everton are now racing to sign a former Real Madrid defender against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and could hold an advantage thanks to Adam Aznou.
Moyes heaps praise on "unbelievable" Arteta
For David Moyes, it will only feel like yesterday that he was Mikel Arteta's manager. Now, over 20 years later, the Spaniard is on his way to title success in charge of Arsenal and is set to welcome his former manager along the way.
Moyes couldn't help but heap praise on his former player in the build-up, claiming that the Arsenal boss has "evolved" to potentially become a Premier League winner.
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He's set to become a free agent this summer.
"What’s up with any of those things you say? You’re making it sound like that’s a problem because they’re good at set-pieces. They’re a strong, physical side and I don’t see a problem with any of that – it’s part of the game.
"There’s this thing out there where everybody has to play the beautiful game and everything has to be perfect. Well, if we all did that it would be boring. We’ve got some unbelievable managers, and Mikel is one of them, who have come into this country and shown us what they can do.
"Maybe they can’t stay with it and do it all the time; Mikel has been able to evolve his team and move it on."
Everton manager David Moyes celebrates after the match
Meanwhile, although it's the Gunners who are on their way to glory, it's not exactly been a disappointing season for Everton, either. The Toffees are still in the race to secure European football, which would open the door to even greater possibilities this summer.
By reaching the European places, those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium would stand a far greater chance at luring the likes of Harry Wilson to Merseyside alongside a Serie A talent.
Everton racing Atletico Madrid to sign Mario Gila
As reported by Tuttosport, Everton are now racing Atletico Madrid to sign Mario Gila. The central defender has impressed during his time at Lazio and that was always expected, given that he came through Real Madrid's academy.
Now 25 years old and at the peak of his powers, a summer move could be on the cards. On paper, it would be easy to assume that Atletico Madrid would have the advantage on that front, but the fact that Gila is represented by the same agent as Aznou could yet hand Everton an advantage.
League stats 25/26 Mario Gila James Tarkowski
Minutes 2,113 2,610
Tackles 40 39
Successful Ground Duels 115 192
Successful Aerial Duels 51 123
Recoveries 112 67
It's easy to see why Everton are interested. Gila would make the perfect partner for James Tarkowski, given how their numbers balance out.
Whilst Gila sweeps up, recovering possession, Tarkwowski is often on the front-foot, winning his duels. Where the former struggles, the latter thrives.
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The teenage midfielder has been linked with a whole host of clubs.
At 25 years old, the Spaniard could even replace the Everton man, 33, in years to come at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Before anything, though, the Toffees must fend off interest from Atletico Madrid.