Everton have been linked with moves for a number of players in recent weeks, but one that appears to be persisting, is Napoli forward Hirving Lozano.
Carlo Ancelotti didn’t make any first-team signings for Everton during his first transfer window with the club, but he may have his eyes set on making some changes once the summer rolls around.
One player that has been mentioned numerous times over the past month is Mexican forward Hirving Lozano, who has been having a difficult first season in the Italian top flight.
The 24-year-old joined S.S.C. Napoli in the summer after a stunning two-season spell with Dutch Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven, where he netted 34 goals and added a further 22 assists in 59 league matches.
Signed by current Everton boss Ancelotti, the links are understandable, as many believe he was the driving force behind Lozano’s signing, handing him a five-year contract in the process.
Times have been tough for Lozano, capped 39 times for the Mexican national team, with the former CF Pachuca product scoring just two goals in 15 Serie A appearances, where he has averaged just over 47 minutes per match.
Lozano is a versatile player, predominantly positioned as a left-winger, but capable of playing on the right side and through the middle as a centre forward or second striker.
This ability to be deployed anywhere across the attacking line would entice any number of teams looking to add some goalscoring and creative flair, with Everton relying heavily on the attacking partnership of Richarlison (eight goals, three assists) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ten goals) this season, lacking a third option to help lead the line.
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Adding Lozano to their attacking ranks would provide Ancelotti with some flexibility in how he can deploy his team, with Richarlison and Lozano both capable of switching flanks or pushing more centrally to support Calvert-Lewin through the middle.
While his struggles in Italy may throw up red flags to many, the potential he showed during his spell in the Netherlands should still intrigue a club needing more options in attack, with the team’s joint-third highest goalscorers being Bernard and Yerry Mina, who only have two goals to their names this season.
The one-time Dutch champion isn’t likely to come cheaply though, with TransferMarkt currently valuing him at £36 million, though his time in Italy could see the Toffees land him for below-market value.
What do you think though Everton fans? Would Lozano be a logical signing for the club? Who else would you like to see the Toffees target in the summer transfer window? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!