Europa league side jump ahead of Everton in race for £17.2m forward as first bid submitted

One of Everton’s top priorities this summer is to reinforce the strike force. The Toffees have struggled massively in front of the goal without a reliable and ruthless goalscorer and the problem needs to be sorted in this window. Everton view Viktor Gyokeres as a top candidate to strengthen their attack but signing him would not be a walk in the rose garden.

EFC scored just 34 league goals in the 2022-23 Premier League season, a goal tally only better than Julen Lopetegui’s Wolves. Out of the 34 goals scored, only two were scored by Everton’s strikers – Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay. Calvert-Lewin missed 21 games because of various injuries, which often left Everton toothless in attack.

Maupay has endured a difficult first season, netting just once and failing to provide the desired attacking threat in many games. Salernitana have shown interest in the French striker and he could possibly leave in the summer. With Dyche eager to avoid a similar issue in the upcoming season, signing a striker must become the top most priority.

Everton are yet to submit a bid for Viktor Gyokeres

Everton have already looked at a number of strikers so far. Udinese’s Beto has been linked with the Merseysiders since January. Everton’s bid was outright rejected by the Italian club but there is hope that Udinese will sanction the sale for €35 million. However, this amount has been deemed far too high for the Toffees and it’s a case of wait and watch, hoping that Udinese drop their asking price.

On the other hand, EFC are targeting Moussa Dembele on a free transfer as he will leave Olympique Lyon as a free agent. Wout Weghorst has also been mentioned as a possible target but it is Coventry City’s Gyokeres who has been strongly linked with the club.

Everton were interested in Gyokeres back in January but Coventry were unwilling to sanction the sale of their prized asset. With Coventry narrowly missing out on Premier League football next season, EFC hope they can secure Gyokeres’ services who will be intrigued by the prospect of playing in the English Top Flight. However, the Merseysiders face competition for the Swedish striker.

According to the Portuguese outlet Record, Sporting CP are keen to sign the 25 year old striker. The Portuguese side have jumped Everton in the race by submitting their first official bid for Gyokeres. Sporting have submitted a bid of €12 million with €3 million in add-ons. However, Coventry are firm on their valuation and want €20 million (£17.2 million) for the Sweden international.

Everton are yet to submit a bid and seem to be trailing Sporting as of now. However, if EFC do manage to submit a better bid which is close to Coventry’s valuation, they might just edge out Sporting in the race. The Portuguese side can offer Europa League football to Gyokeres but Everton cant. The Toffees will have to push quickly if they want to land the 24 year old.

Will the Toffees manage to win the race for Viktor Gyokeres?