According to James Benge of Football.London, Everton are interested in Alexis Claude-Maurice and could battle Arsenal and West Ham United for his signature. The 21-year-old rose through the youth ranks to the FC Lorient first-team in 2016 and has gone on to make 59 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating 22 goals.
Claude-Maurice impressed for Lorient in 2018/19, contributing 18 goals in 35 Ligue 2 games and could be on the move this summer. Everton are on the hunt for a forward to compete with Richarlison, Bernard and Theo Walcott next season. Marcel Brands is looking to lower the squad’s average age and may have to sanction a £10m payment for Claude-Maurice.
The French u20 international can play on the left-wing, attacking-midfield and up front. He has a good eye for goal and may be open to a move to the Premier League after finishing sixth in Ligue 2 with Lorient. Claude-Maurice was a standout performer at the Stade du Moustoir, but his future may lie elsewhere due to the increased interest.
The Toffees are shopping for younger talent to develop and potentially sell for a profit in the future, and Claude-Maurice fits the bill perfectly.
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