Everton haven’t been too active in the transfer window this summer but their hopes of securing a big-name signing have been quashed.
The Toffees had been interested in strengthening their attacking ranks with a genuine Premier League star.
What’s the word?
Rafa Benitez and co had been attracted by the idea of luring Manchester United attacker, Anthony Martial, to Goodison Park before the window closed.
It looked as though the Red Devils were willing to him go in order to reduce their wage bill but in a devastating blow for Everton, he is set to stay put.
That’s according to the ever-reliable Alan Myers. He took to Twitter early this week to reveal the following news:
“Anthony Martial will be staying at Man Utd this summer despite links to Inter Milan.”
Although he didn’t mention Everton’s interest, various reports have linked the Frenchman with a move to Merseyside.
Gutting blow
With Everton stagnating in their bid to improve the first team this summer, this will come as a gutting blow to supporters who were hoping for a marquee signing.
Martial hasn’t been one of the first names on the team sheet for Man United but he is an incredibly dangerous player and somebody who could have taken Benitez’s attack to the next level.
Signed for £36m all the way back in 2015, the forward has long been tipped for stardom without ever realising his frightening potential.
That being said, there have been instances when he’s taken the Premier League by storm, being described as “unstoppable” by Stephen Elliott after a first-class goal against Fulham in 2019.
Martial’s record in front of goal isn’t the most jaw-dropping but he has found the net on 78 occasions in United colours. Furthermore, he has recorded 50 assists, showing he knows how to be creative.
Everton have already signed two wingers in the shape of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend but neither will be good enough to start on a regular basis.
Townsend only scored once in the Premier League last term while Gray ended the Bundesliga campaign at Bayer Leverkusen with just one strike to his name as well.
On that evidence, they could have sealed an instant upgrade in the Man United speedster. Instead, supporters will have to settle for more mediocrity; they have every right to be disappointed.
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