Everton could be set to sign another striker, even though they have already wrapped up a deal for Neal Maupay…
What’s the word?
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Frank Lampard might be willing to take more of a risk with his second striker purchase by bidding £17m for Benfica's Roman Yaremchuk.
Taking to Twitter prior to the completion of the Maupay deal, he claimed: “Novel #Yaremchuck interests #SevillaFC ! The Andalusian club is looking for the right formula with #Benfica , which asks for 20M €. #EvertonFC enquired but will not make Roman #Yaremechuk if Neal #Maupay signs at #EFC. Interest also from a club of #Bundesliga , whose name has not been filtered.”
Although Tavolieri stated that another striker will not be signed if the Maupay deal is done, this contrasts with reports claiming that Lampard wants “up to three new forwards” before the transfer window shuts on Thursday night.
Lampard would love him
With Maupay signed, to add this 6 foot 1 Ukrainian to the mix would give the Everton manager an abundance of different striker profiles to constantly keep his opposition guessing. This is especially relevant given the allowance for five substitutes to be deployed per game this season.
Instantly, the fact that Yaremchuk ranks in the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals among positional peers in Europe's major leagues is indicative of a forward who knows where to be when the chances fall.
His goalscorer's instinct is something that the Toffees have lacked in their opening games of the season, whereas that's a trait he has displayed with nine goals across 33 Liga Portugal and Champions League outings last term.
This experience in Europe’s elite competition would also be important for Lampard, who will surely be keen to add those who have succeeded at the top level to his threadbare squad.
With Calvert-Lewin seemingly perennially injured, to bring in another striker who could feed off the deliveries of Dwight McNeil could finally see the former Burnley winger repay some of his £20m transfer fee from this summer. The 22-year-old has struggled when playing without a recognised striker to pick out, as seen in his 77% pass accuracy and zero big chances created so far for the Toffees.
However, he does differ slightly in that Yaremchuk enjoys the ball at his feet, recording a 64% dribble success rate last season, and Lampard would surely enjoy watching the Ukrainian drive at defences and whipping the Goodison Park crowd into a frenzy.
The man who Daniel Sturridge labelled “a problem” (presumably for opposition defences), the Everton manager should definitely look to add this exciting new profile of striker to his squad. Tge 26-year-old could be a bit hit, and if he takes to the English top flight, Lampard will inevitably love him.