Forget Milik: Everton must consider 21 goal Serie A monster instead

Atalanta striker Josip Ilicic has been made available for sale. Everton can consider him as an alternative to Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik.

Everton have found themselves get linked to Napoli’s deserted striker Arkadiusz Milik from time to time. The link that emerged in the summer transfer window has continued to remain in the news even in the non-transfer season. In mid-November, talkSPORT reported that Carlo Ancelotti is ready to raid his former club Napoli to sign Milik in the January transfer window.

Milik is having a torrid time in Naples, completely dejected by his current state at newly named Diego Armando Maradona stadium. The Pole is desperate to end his miserable last year in Napoli and move on with clubs like Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan all in the running. With such high competition for the 26 year old, things will get very interesting as we enter in the winter transfer window.

Everton do have a trump card in form of Ancelotti, with the Italian previously coaching the striker at Napoli. However, with heavyweights like the Bianconeri and Los Rojiblancos in the running, Milik may choose one of these European giants.

The Toffees currently count on Cenk Tosun as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s backup. However, the Turk has done very little during his two years in England to support his case of being a prolific striker. If Everton are to challenge for Europe, they’ll need a stronger option in the strike force. If Milik could be out of reach, the Toffees can look Atalanta striker Josep Ilicic.

According to Sky Sports Italia, the relationship between Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini and Ilicic has cracked and reached a point of no return. So much so, that the La Dea are ready to listen to offers for the Solvenia international.

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Is Ilicic a better option for Everton?

The striker is one of the most important players in the Atalanta squad and was one of the pillars in La Dea’s third place finish in Serie A and Champions League forays. With him being available in the January transfer market, Everton may want to look at the Slovenian.

Accepted that he is much older to Milik, at 32 he isn’t getting younger but his 21 goals last season in 34 games is an exceptional conversion rate for an ageing striker. Just like nicely fermented Pinot Noir, Ilicic is getting better with age, showing no signs of slowing down.

His style, bodily structure will suit in the Premier League. The 6 feet 2 striker can be very dominant in air, a threat in the box. The Slovenian is an extremely flexible player up front, capable of playing as a secondary striker, lone striker, on the wing or even in the attacking midfield.

Any team that has Ilicic will have a major advantage. The 32 year old also takes part in the buildup phase and has certain playmaking qualities that you don’t usually see in a striker.

His aerial dominance, predator nature and directness in play make him a recipe of success in the English Top Flight. He may not be a long term solution but at current rate he still has 2-3 years at the top and can be an asset. Considering he has had a fallout with the manager at Atalanta, the Italian club won’t be having an audacious demand when it comes to the transfer fee.

Ilicic’s file should be at least considered by the Everton hierarchy.