Idrissa Gueye returned to Everton for his second spell at Goodison Park last summer, signing a two year deal with an option to extend for one more season. With the midfielder turning 34 this September, Everton seem to be planning to invest in a defensive midfielder and are tracking Batista Mendy.
During his first spell at Everton, Gueye was a top notch enforcer, breaking up play and providing security to the defence by sitting just in front of the rearguard. However, Gueye has failed to replicate the performances during his second stint. He has still been reliable, energetic and enforcing in nature, but he has also become error prone when it comes to passing and covering up space.
Gueye is currently an integral part of the Everton midfield alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure and Amadou Onana. Sean Dyche prefers to have a physical midfielder who operates with intensity and the three midfielders tick those boxes. The Senegalese will enter the final twelve months of his deal this summer and even though there is an option to extend the contract for one more season, EFC thinking of a successor.
Everton tracking ANgers SCO midfielder Batista Mendy
A few days ago, the Toffees were linked to 23 year old Emiliano Martinez of FC Midtjylland. The Merseysiders had made a firm offer for the Uruguayan who primarily plays as a defensive midfielder for the Danish side.
Now, EFC have shown interest in Angers SCO midfielder Mendy, as per the French publication L’Equipe. The 23 year old is Angers’ first choice enforcer, sitting in front of the defence. He played 35 Ligue 1 games this season, starting all of them, remaining an omnipresent option in the midfield.
Mendy also filled in at centre back and is capable of playing as a makeshift centre back when needed. EFC are not the only side keen on the Frenchman. Premier League sides Nottingham Forest and Wolves are also following Mendy as they look to strengthen their midfield in the summer.
Angers SCO suffered relegation to Ligue 2 and are open to offloading Mendy. The player will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer and will look to leave the French club following their drop. Angers will ask for €6 million (£5.1 million) in return for Mendy’s services.
If EFC sign Mendy, he won’t be an immediate starter as Gueye remains a reliable option for now. The Frenchman can learn the trick of the trade from Gueye and can eventually replace the 33 year old in the team.
Should Everton sign Batista Mendy?