Everton are set to make an offer for Lazio forward Joaquin Correa, reportedly in Italy, but the future of a former player could affect their hopes of signing him.
So far this summer, Everton have signed goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on a free transfer and wingers Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray for nothing and £ 1.7 million respectively. As the start of the season approaches, it looks like they’re ready to make their first significant window spend.
Rafael Benítez has valued his new squad and there are several areas to strengthen. Strengthening in attack is one of the main objectives, hence the double side signing. Providing additional competition for center forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin could also be important.
Joshua King failed to make a big impact after his move in January and was subsequently released. Therefore, Everton needs a more reliable option alongside Calvert-Lewin.
With that in mind, they are ready to go ahead with an offer for Correa, according to Il Messaggero. The Italian newspaper suggests that they will offer 25 million euros plus bonuses for the Lazio leader.
There has been some confusion about Correa’s future in Lazio following the appointment of Maurizio Sarri. Initially it was said that he was for sale, but later it was thought that he was willing to fight for his place sooner. reconsider and ask for a way out.
If he leaves Lazio, the Premier League seems to be his most likely destination. He has already been linked to Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham.
But Everton was also mentioned in relation to the Argentine international begining of June. Now, they might be about to intensify their search.
Il Messaggero expects them to make an offer for Correa imminently. However, they also predict that Leicester City will make a similar offer.
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So far, the Foxes don’t appear to be a prime suitor for the America’s Cup winner. They have already signed Patson Daka to strengthen their attack, but they could look for one more addition, as they aim for it to be the third lucky time for the Champions League qualification.
However, Everton appears to be the most advanced in their attempts to get Correa, so they can accelerate their pursuit.
Correa could be connected to Lukaku’s future
Another contender to sign Correa would be Inter Milan, should Romelu Lukaku leave.
Lukaku previously spent four successful seasons with Everton, scoring 87 goals in 166 games. He then moved to Manchester United and after two years he went abroad with Inter.
In Italy, he has silenced his skeptics by becoming one of the best forwards in the world. Last season, he helped Inter win the Serie A title, but his financial difficulties mean it can be a very short time of success.
They have already had to sell Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain and they still need one more big sale. Lukaku is someone they want to keep, but they may receive an offer that they cannot refuse.
Another of Lukaku’s former clubs, Chelsea, is trying to re-sign him. He is increasingly confident in doing so, forcing Inter to carry out contingency plans.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, they would be interested in Correa if Lukaku leaves. New Inter manager Simone Inzaghi moved from Lazio this summer and could try to tempt his former player to make the same change.
Therefore, Everton should act fast if they want to reach a deal for Correa.
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