Everton’s summer transfer window has been a whirlwind of activity, with significant movements both in and out of Goodison Park. The Toffees have made several key additions, including the signings of Jake O’Brien, Iliman Ndiaye, and Tim Iroegbunam, alongside a loan deal for Jasper Lindstrom from Napoli. Meanwhile, Arsenal have turned David Raya’s loan into a permanent deal and have completed the acquisition of Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Despite these developments, Everton is still actively seeking to strengthen their squad, particularly in the attacking department. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell has been a prominent figure in the transfer market this summer, and his latest focus appears to be on Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah. The young English striker has garnered significant interest, and Thelwell’s pursuit highlights Everton’s ambition to reinforce their forward line.
Reports suggest that Arsenal are open to selling Nketiah, provided they receive a fee of around £30 million. This price tag places Nketiah in a high bracket of potential transfer targets, attracting attention from multiple clubs. Everton’s interest in Nketiah underscores their need for a dynamic striker to bolster their offensive capabilities. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin reportedly available for sale and Beto also drawing interest, Everton’s urgency to secure a new forward is palpable.
However, Everton faces a significant challenge in their pursuit of Nketiah. Marseille, the French side, have emerged as the leading contenders for the Arsenal forward. Despite having their initial bids rejected, Marseille is expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days. This strong interest from the French club complicates Everton’s efforts, as they need to act swiftly if they are to secure Nketiah’s services.
In light of the competitive situation surrounding Nketiah, Thelwell has reportedly expanded his search to include alternative options. Among the names on Everton’s shortlist are Chelsea’s Armando Broja and Almeria’s Largie Ramazani. Broja, who has shown promise during his time at Chelsea and has attracted interest from various clubs, could be a viable alternative if Everton decides to pursue him, particularly if Calvert-Lewin, Beto, or Neal Maupay leaves the club.
Ramazani, on the other hand, is viewed as a more cost-effective option compared to Nketiah and Maupay. The Almeria forward’s potential arrival could provide Everton with the necessary depth and versatility in their attacking ranks without the significant financial outlay required for Nketiah.
As the transfer window approaches its closing, Everton’s strategic decisions will be crucial in shaping their squad for the upcoming season. The competition for Nketiah and the exploration of other targets reflect the dynamic nature of the transfer market and Everton’s determination to address their squad needs effectively. The coming weeks will be pivotal for Thelwell and Everton as they navigate these challenges and aim to secure the right additions to propel their campaign forward.
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