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Everton have dodged a bullet by not signing this 31-year-old forward despite lacking attacking forces – Here’s why

Why Everton dodged a bullet by not signing Artem Dzyuba

Zenit St Petersburg striker Artem Dzyuba recently claimed that Everton were interested in signing the Russian forward.

The 31-year-old was speaking to Sport24 and his comments were carried by Championat which suggested that Everton were keen on the striker but he decided to remain with his club (h/t Liverpool Echo):

“I signed a contract with Jorge Mendes and his company. Back in the winter transfer window, there was a chance for me to leave Zenit. I understand Everton were interested in my services. But I didn’t want to leave.”

Dzyuba hoped for something to happen in the summer window, but things worked out for Everton at the end.

Toffees make some great signings in the summer

The Russian forward isn’t the most mobile striker and is nearing the end of his career at 31.

Signing him could have provided Marco Silva with another target to lead the line but Everton haven’t been able to use Cenk Tosun well either.

The Turkish forward is still a Toffee and provides Silva with a different option to lead the line.

Cenk Tosun

It would also have been a risk signing the forward given that he has played most of his career in the Russian league, and not in a tough one like the Premier League.

Everton landed Alex Iwobi from Arsenal, who was one of their best players last season, but the signing of the summer could be Moise Kean.

The talented Italian signed from Serie A champions Juventus but is yet to show his best under Silva.

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Landing the 19-year-old was a better option for Everton as Silva can help in the development of the striker.

Kean and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are two young and bright strikers that Everton should concentrate on and not having a ageing forward like Dzyuba is a boon for Silva.

Verdict

Dzyuba could have been a short-term success for Everton but them not landing the Russian is a blessing in disguise.

Landing Kean in the summer was a much better deal for the Toffees and the Italian should do well as a Blue.