Everton have wrapped up two deals and are on the verge of completing the signing of Youssef Chermiti. The Toffees have been linked with moves for Wilfried Gnonto and Hugo Ekitike, meanwhile, the exit of Demarai Gray is also mooted this summer amid interest from several sides.
EFC take on Fulham in the first game of the season and although a considerable amount of transfer business has been done, Sean Dyche will be hoping for more incomings as the squad has wafer thin depth at the moment. Exits are also touted before the end of the window, making it almost mandatory for the Toffees to sign more players.
Gnonto has been a player of interest for a long time with the Toffees laying the ground work since April. EFC were said to be the favourites to sign the Leeds winger before the talks stalled. The Whites are determined to keep the Italian at Elland Road but the Toffees have rekindled their interest.
Everton boss Sean Dyche on Wilfried Gnonto, Hugo Ekitike and Demarai Gray
With the signing of Chermiti sealed, EFC are pushing to sign another striker with PSG forward Ekitike on the short list. The Mersyesiders want to bring Ekitike on loan with an option to buy which could become mandatory. PSG are open to doing business but want the whole operation to be around €35 million.
On the other hand, Gray has one year left on his deal and EFC could end up cashing in on the Jamaican amid interest from Crystal Palace and Fulham. There is interest from Saudi Arabia too but the player would prefer to stay in England. During the press conference ahead of the Fulham game, Dyche was questioned about Ekitike, Gnonto and Gray and this is what he had to say.
"“Well as you know, I do not tend to speak about other players. He’s [Gnonto] a good player. About Ekitike, No to my knowledge about him. The players are here are still here [with regards to Gray’s exit]. The links that I keep reading about whether it’s him or Mason Holgate or Andre Gomes, they are still here and absolutely part of the club. If that changes, you’ll [media] will be the last to know” (via Everton YouTube Channel)"
Reading between lines, Dyche has remained tight lipped over Ekitike and Gnonto. With regards to Gray, Dyche’s answer has been pretty standard, something that you’d expect from any manager to say with regards to potential outgoings and incomings.
Will Wilfried Gnonto sign for the Toffees?