Everton have been linked to Bologna right back Emil Holm, according to reports in Corriere Di Bologna.
The appearance of the rumour in the local Bologna press could mean the attempt to sign the Swedish international is legitimate, but the reports also add the caveat that Bologna “do not seem inclined to move the Swede.”
The report suggests Everton have offered Nathan Patterson and cash as part of the deal and the latter part would appeal to Bologna, who are attempting to cover a centre back injury crisis with the signing of Argentinian Juan Pablo Freytes, who plays for Fluminense in Brazil.
Bologna have offered a deal made up of delayed payments and bonus clauses but Everton’s move for Holm could free up more wiggle room for the Serie A side to complete the deal.
From Everton’s point of view the move makes perfect sense. Holm is an experienced international with 16 appearances for Sweden. Everton are in need of players who can immediately start at right back and more of a project such as 21-year-old Brooke Norton-Cuffy of Genoa or Blackburn’s Ryan Alebiosu would not be top of David Moyes’ list.
Instead Holm would tick plenty of boxes for Moyes. He has previously explained playing Jake O’Brien in an unfamiliar right back position helps because he adds height to the team and Holm is 6 ft 3.
Holm is more of an attacking threat than O’Brien, with a goal and four assists this season for Bologna in just nine starts. In doing so he broke the record for a Serie A defender for consecutive goals or assists after contributing in five games in a row.
Able to get up and down the wing and with a good cross, Holm is a more attacking outlet and has previously been linked with the likes of Inter, who already have Denzel Dumfries in their attacking right back position.
Stats website FBREF lists the likes of Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz, Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori, and Forest’s Neco Williams as similar players. Interestingly, he is also listed as similar to Monaco’s Vanderson, who was linked to a £20m move to Everton last week.
Holm’s stats in Serie A this season show a player who is one of the best in the league in terms of goal-creating full backs, while his progressive carries and progressive pass figures are also good. In defence his one of the best in Serie A for aerial duels won, tackles, blocks and clearances, showing a positive all-round game.
Everton are in desperate need of a full back and Holm is an experienced player who could slot in immediately. He offers the all important aerial presence demanded of Moyes but also maintains an attacking threat that Everton simply do not have in the full back positions.