Report: Everton Submit £7m Bid for 22-Year-Old Star as Thelwell Targets Next Signing After O’Brien
Everton had a bid of around £7 million rejected for Hellas Verona full-back Jackson Tchatchoua, according to Corriere di Verona (via the Liverpool Echo).
Tchatchoua made 27 appearances for Verona last season, helping them secure a comfortable mid-table finish.
The Cameroonian had been on loan from Belgian side Charleroi, with Verona opting to activate the purchase option in the deal.
Despite only recently becoming a permanent member of the Italian squad, Tchatchoua may now be on his way out, with Everton showing interest in the 22-year-old, who can also play on the wing.
Everton’s offer fell just short of Verona’s £8.5 million valuation, and Sean Dyche may return with an improved bid.
Everton Pursuing Tchatchoua
Born in Belgium, Tchatchoua rose through the ranks at Charleroi, playing as both an attacking right-back and a right-winger. He made his breakthrough in the 2021/22 season, earning a move to Hellas Verona on loan last summer.
After impressing during his debut campaign in Italy, Verona triggered the buy option earlier this summer. Everton sees Tchatchoua as a versatile player who can provide competition for Ashley Young and Nathan Patterson and play on both wings.
Tchatchoua started just 19 Serie A games last season and may be attracted to a move to Goodison Park and its potential benefits.
According to Corriere di Verona, Everton’s initial bid of £6.8 million was rejected, but a follow-up offer is expected.
Verona is holding out for £8.5 million, a fee that Everton is likely to meet if their interest is serious.
With both Young and Seamus Coleman nearing the end of their careers and both with 12 months remaining on their contracts, Dyche sees a right-back reinforcement as essential.
Tchatchoua could settle in gradually with the veterans still at the club and eventually compete with Patterson for a starting position at right-back.
Everton Chasing Abraham
Everton is set for a busy summer, with Tchatchoua potentially becoming Dyche’s sixth summer signing after Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Jake O’Brien, Tim Iroegbunam, and Iliman Ndiaye.
The club is also looking to replace the injury-prone and possibly departing Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Dyche has reportedly identified Tammy Abraham as a dream signing, with Everton said to have had an offer rejected for the Roma striker.
Abraham scored just one Serie A goal last season in an injury-ravaged campaign and is now looking for a move away from the Italian capital to reignite his career.
