Everton now in talks to sign €9 million forward after failed Duvan Zapata talks

It is no secret that Everton are trying to sign a new striker in the winter transfer window. A host of names have already been linked as the Toffees frantically search for a reliable forward and the name of Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic is the latest to be added to the list.

Everton’s shambolic performances have seen them drop into the relegation zone, sitting 19th with 15 points in 19 games. The Toffees have netted just 15 goals in the process with Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray being the top scorers with three goals each. Strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay haven’t fired as desired.

If Frank Lampard is to save Everton and his job, the Merseysiders need to sign a striker with reliable goalscoring instincts in the winter transfer window. However, given the fragile financial situation, Everton can’t go big in the transfer market and instead need to work out smart ways like loan deals.

In the past few days the Toffees have been linked to the likes of Arnaut Danjuma, Elye Wahi, Duvan Zapata and Terem Moffi. However, nothing concrete has come out of these links as the Blues of Merseyside scour the market for a competent striker.

Everton open talks with Bologna for Marko Arnautovic

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Bologna striker Arnautovic has become the latest Everton target. Lampard is desperate to fix the goalscoring woes and 33 year old Arnautovic seems to be a good shout.

The Austrian forward is currently out with a sprain injury but will return to action by the end of January. The 33 year old has spent six years in the Premier League, scoring 43 goals in 184 appearances for Stoke City and West Ham United.

Everton were trying to sign Zapata from Atalanta on a loan deal with an option to buy in the summer. The Toffees wanted to take the Colombian on loan and have an option to buy clause set at €15 million but La Dea have rejected this offer which has now seen Everton turn to Arnautovic.

Since joining Bologna last summer, Arnautovic has netted 22 goals in Serie A, with eight of them coming in 14 Calcio games this season. The Bologna striker is valued at €9 million and is contracted with the Serie A side until 2025. It is unlikely that Bologna will entertain any loan requests and if Toffees want to sign the Austrian, they will have to submit a permanent bid.