Everton could finally replace Richarlison

Everton have just a few days left of the January transfer window and new manager Sean Dyche undoubtedly needs new signings if he is going to turn the Toffees’ season around.

One man who has been linked with a Goodison Park switch throughout the transfer window is former Stoke City and West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic, with any deal for the striker likely to set Everton back around £13m.

The 33-year-old would bring a wealth of experience with him to Merseyside and boasts some excellent recent form with Bologna in Serie A, having hit eight goals in Italy’s top flight so far this campaign.

Dyche will no doubt be in the market for attacking additions, considering joint-top goal scorer Anthony Gordon has now joined Newcastle United, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay have a combined two goals in the Premier League this term.

If the former Burnley boss opts for a similar 4-4-2 set-up to the one he preferred at Turf Moor, he will surely be looking for a big physical striker who knows where the back of the net is,  something the Toffees have arguably lacked since Richarlison left for Tottenham Hotspur last summer.

Often, in a relegation dogfight, using the ‘dark arts’ is an effective way of securing points, with Richarlison excelling at gamesmanship during his spell on Merseyside, and Arnautovic could perform a similar role in the attack.

Mark Hughes detailed this in his interview with the Coaches’ Voice, regarding his spell in charge of Stoke City.

He said: “Marko Arnautovic was a little bit of a maverick but on his day he was unplayable.”

A return of 43 goals and 37 assists in 184 appearances in the Premier League emphasises the Austrian’s abilities and with Everton desperate for a reliable goalscorer in their side, Arnautovic could be the ideal addition to Dyche’s side before Tuesday’s deadline.

Last season saw Richarlison step up in the final few months of the season to help Frank Lampard turn things around, notching ten goals and five assists in the top flight, but despite receiving £60m for his services, the Toffees have failed to adequately replace him.

According to WhoScored, Arnautovic excels at passing, finishing and headed attempts, which suggests that he could be an excellent target man for Dyche to call upon in the second half of the season, so Farhad Moshiri should definitely try and bring the Austria international to Goodison Park.