Everton’s offer for 20-year-old striker Dango Ouattara was deemed insufficient by Lorient, but they remain in talks with the French side.
According to Ignazio Genuardi, Everton may have seen an offer knocked back by Lorient for 20-year-old striker Dango Ouattara. The Toffees are in the market for a new forward amid links to several other players but remain keen on the Lorient star as talks between the clubs continue.
Everton manager Frank Lampard is keen to use the transfer window to its full potential and strengthen his squad. The club is languishing in 18th place in the table, and the threat of relegation looms large. The Toffees are expected to enter another drop zone dogfight this season, but the manager wants to prepare well.
Since losing Richarlison, Everton have lacked quality in the attacking third. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is yet to return to form, while the others are misfiring. The lack of goals is not helping Lampard and his quest to stay afloat in the top flight. Hence there’s a glaring need for a new striker.
Everton did sign Neal Maupay late in the summer window, but the Frenchman has not performed well. They are back in the hunt for a striker and remain linked with names like Arnaut Danjuma, Timothy Weah, and even Anthony Elanga.
Dango Ouattara is another name on the list, and he seems their primary target in this window. The Burkina Faso international plays for Lorient and has managed a good return in Ligue 1 this season. The 20-year-old striker has six goals and as many assists in 17 league games this term, which has attracted much interest from England.
Everton, Leicester, and Crystal Palace are among the teams vying for his signature, but Everton may have already lodged an offer. Ignazio Genuardi insists Lorient have deemed their proposal insufficient, although the two clubs remain in talks to find an agreement.
Amid all the interest in the 20-year-old striker, Ouattara will have plenty of options to choose from this month. His contract with Lorient expires in 2024, which may force the Ligue 1 side to conduct a sale. Everton are certainly keen, but whether the forward will become a hit at the club remains the question.