Everton look at £9 million winger ahead of potential Bernard departure
The transfer deadline day has begun with a bang as Everton all of a sudden expect a lot of movement on D-Day. Everton have already bid farewell to Yannick Bolasie and Cenk Tosun. Jonjoe Kenny is also close to a loan exit to Celtic. Winger Bernard was said to be close to leaving Goodison Park with Dubai based Al Nasr are said to be in advanced talks with the Brazilian, as per transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The 28 year old has already agreed to personal terms with Al Nasr.
Bernard has been unable to cut into Carlo Ancelotti’s core group, playing just 567 minutes of football this season. The Brazilian has played second fiddle to Richarlison and at times to Alex Iwobi. Everton have underused a player who is on a £120,000 per week payroll. To sell him in this window will be a smart decision considering he’ll enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer.
However, the Toffees have concentrated on outgoings this window rather than incomings, which has left the team short of options and backup in certain areas. Evident in the dreadful Newcastle United loss, Everton lacked any sort of impact making options off the bench. Quite sadly, this has been the story for most part of the campaign. Now with Tosun and Bernard close to departing, Everton’s depth in the attack has shrunk to an alarming level.
The Royal Blues do not have a direct backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and may lack options in the wide role should Bernard depart. Citing the potential weakness, Everton are making a last gasp attempt on bringing in an attacker on transfer deadline day.
Ivan Perisic as a potential Bernard replacement
According to The Express, Everton boss Ancelotti is keen to bring Inter Milan forward Ivan Perisic before the end of the deadline day. The Croatian has featured in 26 games this term for the Nerazzurri, scoring two goals and registering three assists.
The numbers may not look impressive but the experience and versatility he brings on the table is what the Toffees need right now. He’s capable of playing as a centre forward, as a secondary striker, as a left wide midfielder apart from his preferred left wing position.
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If Bernard leaves, a Perisic deal will solve some issues that have risen. The Croatian has been linked with a move to the Premier League several times in recent seasons, could it turn into a reality this time?