Following the departure of midfielder Amadou Onana to Aston Villa earlier this window, Everton are on the hunt for a new midfielder to fill the void ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
The Belgian was a key member of the first team under Sean Dyche last season, making 30 appearances for the Toffees as they survived a relegation scare after being docked eight points for breaching PSR league rules.
With the transfer window closing in less than two weeks, the club will have to work tirelessly to sign a replacement for Onana, especially after failing to secure a deal for Manchester City’s Calvin Phillips.
The former England international joined newly-promoted Ipswich Town on a season-long loan deal earlier this week, ending Dyche’s hopes of landing the midfielder after previously registering an interest in the 28-year-old.
As a result, the Toffees could reignite interest in the talent who, like Phillips, has already been linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer.
Everton can land sensation for £105,000/w
After letting go of the Englishman, Everton could look to reignite interest and seal a deal to sign Juventus’ desire Arthur Melo before the transfer deadline.
The Brazil ace has been told he can leave Serie A following the appointment of Thiago Motta, with Dyche’s side battling Newcastle United for his signature.
Arthur, who earns £105,000-a-week according to Capology, enjoyed a successful loan spell at Fiorentina last season, making 33 league appearances and registering five assists as he looks to get his career back on track.
The former Liverpool loanee would be an excellent addition to Dyche’s ranks, softening the blow of missing Phillips after the club’s long-standing interest in the Englishman.
Why Arthur could let Everton fans forget about Phillips
After failing to impress Pep Guardiola at the Etihad following his £45million move in the summer of 2022, Phillips was sent out on loan to West Ham United in the second half of last season – in another disastrous spell for the midfielder.
He made just ten appearances for the Hammers, including a terrible mistake on debut against Bournemouth, before being sent off in the defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Despite his unsuccessful visit to London, the club tried to secure a move for Phillips but to no avail, with Arthur arguably the better addition when delving into the pair’s 2023/24 stats.
The “outstanding” Juventus ace, as described by former team-mate Jordan Henderson, completed 92% of the passes he attempted last season, compared to Phillips’ figure of 83% – a testament to his ability to hold onto the ball and find a team-mate.
Arthur also dominated in terms of dribbles completed, achieving a 73% completion rate compared to the former West Ham loanee who only managed a paltry 25%.
But despite his excellent possession numbers, Melo was equally impressive when it came to getting the ball back into his side, winning three per cent of the attacks he went into – making him a great option for Dyche’s side should he do. moving to Merseyside.
It is imperative that the club can sign a new midfielder before the window closes to give Dyche the best possible chance of securing a central spot after a number of relegation near misses.
The hierarchy have invested well so far this summer, making five new additions to the first team, but in order to complete the transfer business in the new window, it is vital that the Toffees sign a player like Melo who can provide that extra quality in the middle .
It may have been disappointing to miss out on a signing like Phillips, but Melo has proven he would be a better addition and take Everton’s midfield to the next level in 2024/25.