Everton have been short of goals in the Premier League this season, scoring just 23 goals in 20 games, so strengthening their attack is likely to be key in January. Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as manager has already led to links with James Rodriguez and Lorenzo Insigne, but another of his former players may be on the radar – Dries Mertens.
Where do we need to strengthen in January?
Goalkeeper
Defence
Midfield
Attack
The 32-year-old has an uncertain future at Napoli as his contract is up next summer. Mertens is still a regular at the Stadio San Paolo, contributing 13 goals in 22 games, but he could be on the move due to his low release clause. AS say the Belgian international is available to overseas clubs for only £8.5m for the first 10 days of January.
Everton need to add goals to the side as Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the only players with more than two goals in the squad. The Blues can more than afford Mertens too, but they could have stiff competition for his signature. The Daily Mail say Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and China are also keen on the 32-year-old.
Mertens made 66 appearances for Napoli under Ancelotti between 2018 and 2019, but whether the pair renew acquaintances in January remains to be seen.