Everton scout £15 million lethal attacker ahead of the transfer window

Everton are set to enter the transfer window this summer facing a tricky conundrum – Who acts as a backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin? The Royal Blues have been watching several strikers in the market and the latest name to join the list is Adam Armstrong of Blackburn Rovers.

Moise Kean’s future is destined to be away from Goodison Park as PSG and Juventus scramble for the Italian striker who is on a hot run of form. Calvert-Lewin’s current deputy, Joshua King, is yet to start a game in an Everton shirt. His short term deal expires at the end of the season and there haven’t been any indications that hint at a long term deal for the Norwegian.

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King has had several substitute appearances and impressed through his raw pace and directness in play but the 29-year-old is yet to grab a goal or assist. If the Toffees decide against extending King’s contract and Kean is sold, a need for a striker arises especially if Everton do get into Europe.

According to Football Insider, Everton have scouted Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong. The 24-year-old is enjoying a fruitful season with the Rovers, scoring 20 goals in 37 appearances for the Championship side. Despite Blackburn’s underwhelming position in the Championship table, Armstrong has been one of the driving forces for the Blue and Whites.

Everton watch Adam Armstrong in Blackburn against Bournemouth

The report further states that Armstrong was watched by the scouts of Everton curing Blackburn Rovers’ clash against AFC Bournemouth which the Cherries won 2-0. The 24-year-old failed to put a strong impression as he missed a penalty and struggled to make a positive impact.

But one bad game doesn’t undermine the stellar season he has had. Armstrong is currently third in the leading goalscorer’s table in the Championship behind Ivan Toney and Teemu Pukki. The former Newcastle man is one of the most lethal finishers and doesn’t shy away from taking shots even from half chances. Armstrong has registered 156 shots in 34 games, translating to 4.78 shots per 90 minutes, most by any Championship player.

In fact, it is not about launching shots and making unnecessary attempts at goal, 65 shots have been on target and he leads the table for most shots on target per 90 minutes with 1.99 shots on target (stats via FBref). Though a striker by trade, the 24-year-old can play anywhere across front three, pretty similar to King as well, which solves the issue of squad depth to an extent.

Armstrong at 24 is exciting and is providing a strong case for Premier League clubs to consider. Everton have to keep an eye on him for the rest of the season and make a decision as the summer transfer window opens.

The former Newcastle man is rated at £14.40 million (Transfermarkt) but with his contract expiring in 2022, Blackburn may have to cash in on him amidst Premier League interest. The Toffees have an interesting option on their radar.

Should Everton pursue Adam Armstrong?