Been on the cards since January when we rejected his transfer request when PSG bid for him. Turns 30 shortly, and whilst he’s a great (and much underrated imo) player, if he wants away for a dream move like that, then so be it.
Their attack is decent. I worry more about their defence. Gueye their shield is leaving. They dont seem to resign zouma (cause we wont let them go) and between those 2 and keane formed a really good partnership. Mina and keane didnt did much time together but it wasnt great when they did play together (minus the time they went up against morata).
They got Delph in don’t forget, shrewd signing that if he stays fit. Keane started looking really good last season too. Mina’s had a season to adjust so there’s now more pressure on him but all in all I don’t think Everton have a standout weakness. Maybe a 25 goal a season striker wouldn’t go amiss, as in a proper Lukaku replacement but other than that, if they get Zaha, they’ll be a force.
Zouma will be a loss, as he’d formed a good partnership with Keane and they complimented each other nicely. So, we’ll sign another CB imo. Zaha would be a top signing, but I still want us to sign a No.9.
If Everton land Zaha I see 4th-8th being a proper battle between Everton, West Ham, Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea. I would have said Wolves too but with the Europa League I see them getting a comfortable 9th.
If he does go to Everton I think it will be for more than £60m. Apparently we bid £55m up front with £10m add ons and they rejected it, so it looks like Palace are holding out for something more nearer to £70m. Personally I don't think he's worth that sort of money although I would have liked him at Arsenal. That said, I'd much rather we spent that money on defensive players. We are badly in need of a CB, Saliba doesn't come until next season so we need reinforcements now. Some talk about us going in for Rugani from Juve, he's a quality CB. And of course they are stacked in that position now with De Ligt, Chellini and Bonnuci
Yeah to anyone outside Palace he definitely ain't worth it but when you factor in that he's 'Prem proven', HG and their golden boy, you can understand their stance on the situation. Rugani could be a decent signing if you get him, providing he adapts to English football quickly enough. I would've thought Juve may have wanted him around though because Chiellini is like 34 now whilst Bonucci ain't far off that either.
I understand why Palace want that sort of money, I just don't think he's worth that much. But with twats like City and Chelsea who've thrown mega money at transfers it's pushed them up for everybody now. In a realistic market, Zaha would be a £40m-£50m player. Chellini and Bonnuci are getting on, but Juve have signed De Ligt and Demiral, so they've currently got 5 CB's. Rugani's agent has come out and said his player 'needs to consider his options' and it's probably not to try and force a better contract either as he's only recently signed one. Reckon he'd cost us £40m+ but he'd be worth it and for half the money Palace are asking for Zaha, it's a no brainer for us.
Yeah I'd agree, £40m would seem about right for someone like Zaha in a normal market. It definitely makes more sense to spend on Rugani than Zaha from Arsenal's perspective. Whilst Zaha would help create a great front three with Auba and Laca, those two alone grab enough goals. It's conceding them that's been your lots biggest problem, personally still think you'd need another CB and a LB though to go along with Rugani should you sign him.
We're currently going into this season with the same defence that shipped 51 goals last season, minus Koscielnly who was probably our best CB (although he's on the decline now) It looks like we're going to try and get the Tierney deal over the line, apparently we're only £2m apart so it should be one we can get done. But we need at least one extra CB, two would be nice but that's not happening. We've also got Holding to come back from injury, and he was looking really assured at CB before he got injured. So if we could get Rugani, then we have some decent options when Holding is back too. Once our back 3-4 are fit, we have Bellerin...Holding...(Rugani)...(Tierney) and back up of Maitland Niles....Sokratis...Mustafi....Kolasinac
