Everton could miss out on Lucas Ocampos this summer with L’Equipe (h/t Sky Sports) revealing that the wide-man is set to sign a new deal at Olympique Marseille. This comes just a day after Calciomercato credited Everton with an interest in the 24-year-old. A summer move doesn’t look on the cards now which is a blow for Marco Silva.
Ocampos has impressed in Ligue 1 this season, scoring and creating 10 goals in 27 appearances. The Argentine has racked up 2374 minutes of football in the French top-flight, creating 27 chances, making 57 successful dribbles (46%), averaging 23 passes-per-game with 77% accuracy, whipping in 56 crosses with 29& and has averaged a tackle (76) or interception (25) every 24 minutes.
Ocampos has been in fine form in recent weeks, contributing a goal in seven of Marseille’s last nine games, but Everton will have to turn their attentions elsewhere. With Richarlison, Bernard and Theo Walcott at their disposal, the Blues still have quality in the wide areas. The plan this summer is to lower the average age and Ocampos would have fit the bill perfectly, but Marseille have won the race for his signature.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Defender could leave Everton