Everton Transfers: 5 Replacements For Romelu Lukaku
4. Andre-Pierre Gignac (Marseille)
Gignac is enjoying a hugely productive spell at Marseille. The one-time French international hit 18 goals last season, and so far has 16 goals from 29 games this time out. The 28-year-old is extremely powerful in the air, and has a fantastic right foot, with some spectacular goals to his name. The former Toulouse forward has been rumoured to be on his way out of the Stade Velodrome in the summer, and Everton can expect to face competition again from Newcastle and Fulham as he has developed a good reputation for himself in recent seasons. He almost joined Fulham back in 2011, but the deal was cancelled on the August transfer deadline day. Should Martinez attempt to do a deal, he may find that the price is not as high as it would normally be, as Gignac only has one year remaining on his five-year contract. This would be an ideal replacement for Lukaku without breaking the Everton bank, and he also has big-game experience, having played in the Champions League. While not possessing the youthful exuberance of the Belgian, he still has quite good pace, and would pose a threat to Premier League defences if given the opportunity. Gignac is definitely one for Martinez to consider.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.