According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Moussa Dembele is a viable target for Everton in the upcoming summer transfer window, provided they avoid relegation from the Premier League, writes the GMS.
The 26-year-old striker is currently playing for Ligue 1 club Lyon, but has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI under manager Laurent Blanc this season.
According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Everton reportedly offered a pre-contract deal to Moussa Dembele earlier this week, in hopes of bringing him to Goodison Park. The Lyon striker’s current contract is set to expire this summer, and he has not been a regular starter under Laurent Blanc this season.
The report suggests that Dembele will not extend his stay at Les Gones and will leave the club on a free transfer in the summer. Everton has offered him a salary of €5 million per season to join the team, provided they avoid relegation to the Championship. Dembele, who earns £52k per week, has only started eight matches in Ligue 1 this season, and it is expected that many clubs will be interested in signing him on a free transfer this summer, according to journalist O’Rourke. He told GMS:
“A lot will depend on where Everton are next season, if they’re in the Premier League or not. I think if they go down, it’s very unlikely that they will be able to land Moussa Dembele, but if they could stay up in the Premier League, it’s a real option for them that they could try and lure him to Goodison Park with Premier League football. I think they’ll be a number of clubs in for his signature this summer as well.”