Everton rival Liverpool for £25 million man who could be Jean-Philippe Gbamin replacement

Everton finally put up a performance worthy of applause against Arsenal, putting an end to their nine game winless streak. During this miserable run, deficiencies in the squad have been further exposed. Most notably, the midfield was hit with an injury crisis and the Toffees could look to reinforce the engine room over the next couple of transfer windows. The name of Denis Zakaria continues to be mentioned in the Everton circles.

At one point, Everton were without Abdoulaye Doucoure, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies in the midfield. Probably, only Doucoure jumps straight into the lineup with Gomes and Davies acting as options off the bench but the unavailability of three midfielders did pose some nervy questions. Allan, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin were the only players fit but there hasn’t been much reliance on Gbamin recently and Delph had just returned from injury.

Everton did add steel in midfield in the summer of 2020, signing Allan and Doucoure but there has been a scarcity of powerful backups to the dynamic duo. With Delph’s contract expiring next summer and no signs of renewal, the Toffees could be actively looking for a midfielder next summer.

Delph has seen a recent resurrection in form after returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out for two months. His well rounded displays against Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City were proof that he brings something unique to the table. His experience and control can still be a guiding light in the middle of a storm but the injury tragicomedy that has engulfed his Everton career for two and a half years means that chances of renewal are incredibly faint.

Everton interested in Denis Zakaria

According to Journalist Angelo Mangiante, Everton are interested in Zakaria. Liverpool and West Ham also remain interested for the player whose deal runs out next summer. As per a report from 90min, Zakaria has been attracting a lot of interest from Premier League clubs.

Everton and Leicester have contacted the player’s entourage and expressed their interest in the Swiss player. The Toffees are keen to take advantage of the prospect of signing the marauding midfielder on a free transfer next summer. Meanwhile, Zakaria’s agents are also offering him to Europe’s biggest clubs to inflate the interest.

Zakaria came close to joining AS Roma in the summer transfer window but the deal fell through. The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder could be a perfect fit for Everton. The 25 year old is primarily a defensive midfielder, capable of playing as a centre back.

His positional profile is the one that matches Gbamin and Delph. Gbamin is a defensive midfielder but he’s another player whose Everton career has been plagued due to injuries. There were whispers of Everton leaning towards offloading the Ivorian in the upcoming windows. With Delph also headed towards the Goodison exit door, a need for a defensive midfielder arises.

Recently, Everton have been more fluid and in control of the proceedings when playing with three in the middle. Zakaria could be a monstrous addition to the side who can serve at the base of the midfield and allow the duo of Doucoure and Allan to operate further up the pitch.

At the moment, Everton are said to be in the mix but could soon find themselves out of the race if Europe’s elite sides ramp up their interest.

Should the Royal Blues pursue Denis Zakaria?