Everton fans are excited to see what the summer brings, and a highly rated midfielder appears to be on the club’s radar.
Everton are on the brink of Europe, and hopefully David Moyes can oversee a strong finish to the season.
Having European football for next season could really help Everton in terms of attracting players.
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Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
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The Hill Dickinson Stadium is likely to be a lure for some. But in order to get higher calibre ones through the door, a European football will be important.
Everton are said to be eyeing a right-back, centre-back and forward as matters of priority.
But a midfielder is seemingly also on the agenda – and Everton reportedly hold an interest in Issa Doumbia.
The Friedkin Group eyeing Issa Doumbia, but they could land him for Roma
Issa Doumbia playing for Italy U21s.
Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are one of several clubs eyeing Issa Doumbia, who plays his football over in Italy with Venezia in Serie B.
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The highly rated midfielder is said to be emerging as one of the most in-demand talents ahead of the summer window.
With six goals and five assists from central midfield, he is attracting attention and Everton like what they see.
But the Toffees are not alone in their interest. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton have all watched him in recent months as well.
Interestingly though, Everton’s owners The Friedkin Group could actually push to sign the player for AS Roma.
They are said to have done ‘extensive background work’ on Doumbia, so it will be interesting to see if he ends up going to Roma at Everton’s expense, which would have many fans asking a few questions.
There is further interest in Doumbia from Italy in the form of Napoli, Inter Milan and AC Milan. Benfica and Sporting are the final clubs mentioned.
Everton could find their Idrissa Gana Gueye successor
Of course, Everton have to start thinking about life after Idrissa Gana Gueye, who turns 37 later this year.
He’s had a good second half of the season, and Everton are likely to extend Gueye’s contract. But a long term successor will be needed at some point fairly soon.
Idrissa Gana Gueye playing for Everton.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
It would be good for Everton to get Doumbia in so that he can potentially work with and learn from Gueye before he leaves the club.
And make no mistake about it, Doumbia’s profile does suggest he could make a good replacement for him, as someone who can play the box-to-box role, but also hold. We have seen Gueye play in both of these roles.
He may be a fair bit taller than Gueye, but Doumbia has that same tenacity as the Everton man and is physically strong in the middle of the park. He’s also known for ball recoveries, which has long been a forte of Gueye.
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