Back in January, a report from the Daily Mirror claimed Everton were interested in Atalanta defender Gianluca Mancini.
The Italian, 22, has caught the eye in the Serie A with a series of solid displays in the three-man Atalanta backline. Gianluca Mancini has also scored six goals in all competitions, which is a fantastic return for a defender.
Everton have been defensively very poor this season, with Marco Silva’s men conceding 39 goals in 29 Premier League games. Despite signing Yerry Mina from Barcelona and adding Kurt Zouma on loan last summer, the Toffees’ defence has shown very little improvement under Silva. Michael Keane could be the only defender to come away with some credit, which is a worrying sign for Silva.
The Everton defence needs an overhaul in the summer with club captain Phil Jagielka already in his twilight and likely in his last season at Goodison Park. With Zouma set to return back to his parent club, Chelsea, at the end of the season and Mina making very little impact in his debut campaign in English football, a central defender is must for the Royal Blues.
To put things plainly, Silva should make a move for Atalanta’s defensive wall, Gianluca Mancini.
Mancini is a typical Italian defender; strong, powerful, athletic, agile, quick with brilliant aerial ability. The 6ft 3in ace is calm and composed on the ball and uses his excellent passing range to launch attacks from the back. He rarely loses concentration and reads the game very well that makes him such a difficult customer to get past.
The former Italy U21 international is an imposing figure presence in the defence and his towering frame makes him an indirect set-piece threat in the opposition box as well. A cultured Italian centre-half, Gianluca Mancini excels in tackling as well as has the strength and ability to bully attackers before dispossessing them.
Blessed with a decent turn of pace and high energy, the former Fiorentina man could be the solution to Everton’s defensive problems. Mancini has all the tools to quickly adjust to the demands of the Premier League and hit the ground running. The Italian is deemed as a player with huge potential and one who can be a long-term replacement for the ageing Jagielka.
Given the player’s profile and style of play, the Toffees must swoop in for Mancini in the summer.
