Everton are prioritizing their attack as they push to come out of the whole they dug for themselves. The Toffees need attacking firepower and investing in a striker and a winger is the need of the hour. Lorient winger Dango Ouattara was a player that Everton wanted but as things stand the Burkinabe international is on a move elsewhere.
Everton wingers Anthony Gordon, Demarai Gray and Dwight McNeil have not done any extraordinary job. At times they have been bland and have failed to support the attack and provide service to the strikers. McNeil was signed in the summer from Burnley to provide width to the Everton frontline and provide uninterrupted service to striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 23 year old has struggled to make any sort of positive impact and Goodison Park. The early fire of Gordon has also waned. Gray’s performances are too volatile. A new winger would have rejuvenated the attack and given Frank Lampard more options to choose from.
About a week ago, a report emerged stating Everton’s interest in FC Lorient winger Ouattara. In fact, the Toffees had also launched a bid of £17.5 million for the winger. Talks were ongoing between the Merseysiders and the Ligue 1 outfit as an agreement hadn’t been reached.
Everton target Dango Ouattara on his way to Bournemouth
Other English clubs had also shown interest in the 20 year old. AFC Bournemouth was one of the most interested clubs. According to Daily Echo, Ouattara is on course to travel to England for a medical before he signs a contract with Bournemouth.
Ouattara is set to become the first signing under the new ownership as a deal in the region of £24 million has been agreed between Lorient and the Cherries. The report further stated that the 20 year old speedster will sign a five and a half year deal at the Vitality stadium. Bournemouth are hoping to close the deal as soon as possible and get the required paperwork done so the Burkinabe international can be available for the Nottingham Forest game.
Ouattara has six goals and six assists in 18 Ligue 1 games. His move to the Cherries means that Everton have missed out on another transfer target. Perhaps, the Toffees were not able to match Bournemouth’s offer and convince the 20 year old to join them.
Bournemouth are also hanging by the skin of their teeth as they are just one point above the relegation zone. Everton are in a similar predicament and need to strengthen their squad for the relegation battle.
Will Dango Ouattara be successful in the Premier League?