Everton are reportedly monitoring Watford attacker and Crystal Palace target Ismaila Sarr as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon.
According to the Evening Standard, Everton are looking at Watford and Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr, who could be a viable replacement for Anthony Gordon, with the latter being linked with a move to Chelsea. However, the Toffees will have to stave off interest from Crystal Palace if they plan to sign the 24-year-old attacker.
Sarr has been one of Watford’s better performers since joining the club in the summer of 2019. He was one of their shining lights in 2019/20 as they got relegated from the Premier League. The Senegalese international then helped the Hornets earn promotion back to the top flight in 2020/21 and fared decently in the previous campaign when fit and available.
A player with plenty of potential, Sarr has been attracting plenty of interest this summer following Watford’s relegation back to the EFL Championship. There have been links to heavy-hitters like Liverpool and Manchester United, but as things stand, a move to a mid-tier Premier League outfit looks more likely for the Hornets’ ace.
Crystal Palace have shown a serious interest in signing Sarr amidst question marks over the future of Wilfried Zaha. Even if the Ivorian stays, the Eagles are keen on adding more firepower to their attacking unit that has not always delivered for them. To that end, Palace have already made an offer for Sarr, which Watford have rejected.
Having paid £30 million to sign Sarr, Watford will demand a fee in the same region to sell him, which would mean that Crystal Palace would have to break their club record for transfer fees if they plan to sign him up. At the same time, Patrick Vieira’s side will also need to contend with potential competition from Everton in the race to sign Sarr.
Everton are on the lookout for more attacking reinforcements despite signing Dwight McNeil from Burnley this summer. The departure of Richarlison and the injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Andros Townsend have left Frank Lampard short-handed in the attacking unit. On top of that, Anthony Gordon is being strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, with the youngster said to be keen on the transfer.
So, even though Everton have rejected two bids from Chelsea for the 21-year-old, there is a possibility that he could leave before the transfer window closes. In such a scenario, the Merseyside giants plan to bring in Sarr as a replacement for the young Englishman.
Sarr still has two years on his Watford contract and is not pushing for an exit at the moment. But a return to the Premier League looks very likely for him. Only time will tell if he ends up at Crystal Palace, Everton or a different club altogether.
