Preparing for their first summer on Merseyside, The Friedkin Group are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a Serie A defender for Everton when the transfer window swings open.
Everton want Serie A defender
On course to achieve Premier League safety, it should come as no surprise that Everton are already setting their sights on summer targets. Names such as Tammy Abraham and Emanuel Emegha have already stolen the headlines in recent weeks, with the Toffees seemingly planning to sign an attacking upgrade in the coming months.
A player who knows all about English football versus a rising star, Everton certainly have quite the choice to make if they are to look towards Abraham or Emegha to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.
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Friedkin are wasting no time...
The academy graduate is yet to sign a new contract and, as things stand, will become a free agent at the end of the season - leaving David Moyes scrambling for options. His likely departure is set to hand Friedkin their first transfer test and one they'll be desperate to pass with flying colours.
That said, the new owners are also reportedly looking towards defensive additions. According to TuttoJuve's Mirko di Natale, Everton are now eyeing a move to sign Federico Gatti from Juventus this summer and could yet beat Newcastle to the Italian's signature.
At 26 years old, the defender is at the peak of his powers and may well have a major decision to make regarding his future this summer. With three more years left on his current Juventus deal, though, a deal to sign Gatti is unlikely to come cheap for the likes of Everton in the coming months.
Juventus' Federico Gatti celebrating scoring against Napoli
A player with experience among Europe's elite in the Champions League, signing Gatti would certainly be an impressive way for Friedkin to commence their first summer in charge at Everton.
"Hero" Gatti is stronger than Branthwaite
If Everton are looking to add quality in depth ahead of next season, then signing Gatti to complete their backline would undoubtedly do just that. The 26-year-old would push Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski all the way in pursuit of a starting place after another impressive campaign at Serie A giants Juventus.
It's during the current campaign that the defender has often displayed his strength, winning more aerial duels, more tackles and making more blocks than Branthwaite.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Federico Gatti Jarrad Branthwaite
Starts 25 20
Tackles won 23 17
Aerial duels won 35 34
Blocks 27 23
Dubbed a "hero" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, Everton would be sealing one of the coups of the summer by signing Gatti ahead of Newcastle.
He ticks several boxes for what Moyes needs to take his side away from relegation battles and onto more ambitious things. Gatti is at his peak with Champions League experience and more than enough talent to compete against Branthwaite alongside others for a place.
When the summer arrives, Friedkin could make a statement of intent by signing the Juventus centre-back.