Everton And Nottingham Forest Lead Race For €25M Defender: Should The Toffees Actually Prioritise Him This Summer?

Everton are firmly in contention to sign Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti this summer. According to the Italian outlet Tuttosport and Sport Witness, the Toffees and Nottingham Forest are currently the most serious contenders for the 27-year-old. Both clubs are very interested in the defender and actually tried to bring him to England last summer.

Everton chase Juventus defender Federico Gatti as the summer window approaches

Gatti has fallen out of favour since Luciano Spalletti took over at Juventus, as the manager prefers a defensive back three of Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, and Lloyd Kelly. This change in the pecking order has essentially put Gatti on the market, even though he only signed a new contract in Turin last July. Transfermarkt values him at €16 million, but Juventus are reportedly holding out for closer to €25 million.

AC Milan are still watching the situation, while Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, is a known fan. Additionally, Galatasaray have already sent a representative to Turin for direct talks. Gatti offers aerial strength and solid clearance numbers, but his passing and discipline in a high defensive line remain significant concerns. Juventus seem ready to sell the defender to help fund their own summer recruitment.

Should Everton actually prioritise signing Federico Gatti this summer?

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

David Moyes has completely turned Everton‘s season around. The Toffees have won three of their last four league matches, including a 3-0 thumping of Chelsea, and are now making a real push for European football from their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. While signing a centre-back makes sense on paper, Gatti feels like a strange choice for this squad.

Everton’s summer priorities are likely focused on the attack, especially with the club being offered Roma striker Artem Dovbyk and linked to PSV’s Ricardo Pepi. Spending nearly €25 million on a defender who only averages 0.7 interceptions and 0.6 tackles per game in Serie A is a massive gamble. Now that Jarrad Branthwaite is back to full fitness, spending big on a player who isn’t a clear upgrade would be a waste of money.

Gatti’s physicality works well in a slower defensive setup, but that isn’t necessarily what Moyes needs for European football, where composure on the ball is vital. He might be a better fit for Leeds United or Newcastle United, where defensive depth is a bigger issue. Everton should keep an eye on him, but their money is better spent elsewhere for now.