Gudmundsson to Everton: ‘There’s a deal already agreed with rivals’
Everton could miss out on Albert Gudmundsson this summer if Fiorentina opt to buy the striker first, sources have told Football Insider.
David Moyes will be on the hunt for a striker this summer as Dominic Calvert-Lewin prepares to leave Everton, with a Premier League move on the cards for the number nine despite his poor injury record.
Football Insider revealed on 21 April that Moyes wants West Ham’s Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson on a permanent deal, and is “backing himself” to turn the 20-year-old’s career around in front of goal.
Gudmundsson is another forward the Toffees are keen on after eight goals and two assists in 28 games for Fiorentina, but sources have told Football Insider that the Italian side hold all the cards this summer.
The Iceland international is at Fiorentina for the season after they paid Genoa a £6.5million loan fee, and Football Insider sources have said there is already a deal agreed for his move to become permanent.
Everton hit with Albert Gudmundsson transfer setback
Gudmundsson’s form as either a number 10 or second striker for Fiorentina has alerted Everton ahead of the summer window, but La Viola look likely to pursue their £14m option to buy for the 27-year-old.
Football Insider sources have also revealed that Gudmundsson’s move to Stadio Artemio Franchi will become a “guaranteed signing” if he meets goals and appearances targets included in his loan deal.
It’s unknown at present whether the Icelandic attacker has met those obligations, but Fiorentina remain in the box seat for Gudmundsson this summer and are likely to trigger their £14m agreement with Genoa.
David Moyes must aim high in Everton striker pursuit
Everton’s squad is set to undergo plenty of churn this summer, with Calvert-Lewin one of nine first-team players out of contract and all five of their loanees’ futures also up for debate at Goodison Park.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider last month that Everton shouldn’t even consider a new deal for Calvert-Lewin at this stage, with Moyes unable to rely in his form or fitness.
The Toffees’ former CEO Keith Wyness also told Football Insider that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap would be best served by moving to Everton Stadium this summer, but Moyes faces a difficult task to win the race for a striker who is wanted by the Premier League’s most monied clubs.