Everton linked with Atletico Madrid winger

La Liga giants Atlético Madrid are looking to send 23 year old winger Gelson Martins out on loan, and according to Chronicle, Everton are battling Newcastle and Arsenal for his signature.

What I cannot figure out, however, is why exactly Arsenal or Everton would want this deal. According to the report, Newcastle lead the way, which makes sense because they are struggling to survive and even a six-month loan could be the difference between relegation and a continued existence in the English Premier League.

For Everton, or any safe and established club, really, I do not see why you want to help Atletico Madrid find minutes for a player who neither represents a game changer nor a long term help. Martins’ averaged 7 goals and 8.5 assists per season in two years in the Portuguese league before coming to Atletico, and is certainly an alright young player, but for only six months and with the player currently out with a hamstring injury, I do not see how it does us any real good to take him on.

@FussballRadars

Martins has 224 league minutes for Atleti this year, and 88 minutes in the Champions League and has not replicated this form for the Spanish side. If Everton just needs a warm body on the wing, don’t loan Yannick Bolasie back out.

Gelson Martins will not further one single goal or ambition that Everton football club has. Signing him would be completely pointless, and I think our name is only being tied to him so that Newcastle press can make their fans feel like they are getting something more than a hurt average winger.