Everton are reportedly targeting Napoli winger Jesper Lindstrom and are prepared to invest more than £25 million to secure his signature, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
According to the Italian outlet’s print edition (15 July, page 15), Everton is gearing up to make a move for the Denmark international. Lindstrom faces a decision on his future at Napoli under manager Antonio Conte. If he is unwilling to accept a backup role behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia next season, Lindstrom may seek a transfer, hoping for more playing time elsewhere.
Both Everton and fellow Premier League club Aston Villa could provide Lindstrom with an exit route from Napoli. The Italian club is seeking approximately £25.2 million for the player, who also drew interest from Liverpool last summer.
Signing Lindstrom would signify Everton’s ambition this summer. With limited options on the wings heading into the new season, acquiring a winger of Lindstrom’s caliber is crucial for the Toffees. Currently, Dwight McNeil is the only established winger at Goodison Park, with Jack Harrison returning on loan from Leeds United and new signing Iliman Ndiaye primarily playing centrally.
After seemingly missing out on Jaden Philogene, who opted for Aston Villa, Everton could gain an edge by securing Lindstrom ahead of their rivals. The anticipated sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa could provide Everton with significant transfer funds, potentially nearly £50 million, enabling them to strengthen their squad by acquiring Lindstrom for roughly half that amount.
There is a clear need for Everton to upgrade their options both in attacking and defensive aspects of their wing play, and Lindstrom’s industrious style would certainly help fill these gaps effectively.
