The recent losses to Chelsea and Burnley highlight Everton’s weaknesses. Against Chelsea, the Toffees were outplayed by the sheer quality and frightening squad depth Thomas Tuchel’s side possess. The loss against Burnley was more hurtful but that has been the narrative for the entire season. Everton have struggled against lower sides at Goodison Park. Newcastle United, Fulham and Burnley have come to Everton and have had their way.
There is an unquestionable belief in Carlo Ancelotti and his methods because if there is a manager who can take the team to Europe despite all the issues that have persisted, its him. The Toffees have come a long way since the last season and upgraded massively in the last summer transfer window, yet work remains to be done.
The first phase of squad rebuilding has been completed successfully with the arrivals of Allan, James Rodriguez, Ben Godfrey and others. Now the focus must shift on having squad depth in areas that look the most vulnerable.
Everton are most likely to sign a right back as they actively search for a long term Seamus Coleman successor. Midfield could be another area Ancelotti may want to add more personnel as Adrien Rabiot remains linked with the Toffees.
One area that doesn’t need surgery and is secure for seasons to come is central defence. Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Godfrey make a competent and well stacked central defence. Yet, links to centre backs don’t seem to subside.
Gleison Bremer of Torino has now been linked to both the Merseyside teams for several months. AS Roma centre back Gianluca Mancini is liked by Ancelotti who is also on the wishlist of Chelsea, Inter Milan and PSG.
Everton linked to AC Milan centre back Alessio Romagnoli
Now, according to The Express, Manchester United are eyeing AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli who is also being tracked by Everton. Reportedly, the Everton boss is a huge admirer of the 26 year old.
Another report from Il Milanista states that Ancelotti wants to welcome Romagnoli to Goodison Park and make him the new leader in defence. The Italian is having a turbulent season and has recently found himself on the bench far too frequently as Simon Kjaer and Fikayo Tomori have been the preferred centre back choice in last few games.
With Milan seriously considering triggering Tomori’s option-to-buy clause worth €28 million as the 23 year old racks up solid displays at San Siro, Romagnoli’s camp hasn’t taken the recent exclusions from the lineup too well. The Italian will enter the final 12 months of his deal this summer and for a player of his calibre, there will always be teams ready to splash the cash and sign him.
Everton’s name getting associated with Alessio Romagnoli seems oblivious at some levels. The Toffees simply are well covered in central defence and have enough players to serve the cause so unless a sale of one of the aforementioned four centre backs is being planned, Everton do not need to waste valuable money and efforts on signing a centre back.