Everton identifies perfect Wilfried Gnonto alternative in Callum Hudson-Odoi as transfer news emerge

Everton has joined Fulham in the race to sign wantaway Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi and Sean Dyche may have identified the perfect alternative to his top attacking target Wilfried Gnonto.

According to a report in the Evening Standard (21 August), the Cottagers are unwilling to put £8m on the table to sign the Chelsea academy product, opening the door for Everton to make their move.

It’s reported that Hudson-Odoi is willing to take a pay cut to leave Stamford Bridge and has already agreed on personal terms with Fulham but Chelsea is frustrated at their neighbors’ stance on their £8m asking price.

Everton are in the market for at least one new attacker with two weeks of the transfer window to go, having seen their goalscoring problems from last season continue into the new campaign after defeats to Fulham and Aston Villa.

It also remains to be seen if the Merseyside outfit will officially go back in for Leeds United’s Willy Gnonto, having had four previous bids knocked back [Sky Sports] with Leeds United demanding north of the £25m bid which was rejected for the Italian international’s signature.

At this moment in time, it is terribly uncertain whether Gnonto will be putting on an Everton jersey after the transfer window shuts as this gruelling transfer saga drags on.

While Leeds is well within their right to command a high fee for Gnonto, £25million seems a fair bit of money for a player who has just one Premier League season under his belt.

Hudson-Odoi represents the perfect alternative as he holds plenty of Premier League experience, despite his limited opportunities at Chelsea, and also knows what it takes to compete at an elite level elsewhere having been on loan at German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Hudson-Odoi, in desperate need of a career refresh after some tough spells in Germany and back at Chelsea in previous campaigns, and will be looking to prove himself again at Premier League level.

If Fulham is unwilling to match his £8m price tag, then Everton must certainly jump at the opportunity to sign a player with just as much potential as Gnonto but also more established and guaranteed to thrive – a stunning bargain.

Despite his struggles at Leverkusen last year, there remains a special talent in the 22-year-old – one which Everton will know very well.

Last season, he ranked in the 87th percentile for progressive carries highlighting incredible 1v1 dribbling qualities and the ability to push his team up the pitch, but he also recorded 3.86 shot-creating actions per league game which was the third-highest total throughout Xabi Alonso’s squad, via FBRef.

Hudson-Odoi would further add excellent versatility to Sean Dyche’s ranks next season, with his ability to operate all across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield.

Hudson-Odoi is still 22 years old, is homegrown, Premier League proven, and still possesses all the unique gifts in the world making this potential acquisition a no-brainer for the Toffees.

If Leeds United don’t change their stance on Gnonto, then Everton should simply move on because a better opportunity in Hudson-Odoi has already presented itself.

In other Everton news, Southampton manager Russell Martin has provided an update on Everton-linked Adams’ future.