Big boost for Everton as £32m summer target now made available for January

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Everton’s summer was one that inspired newfound positivity around Goodison Park, as Kevin Thelwell operated with intelligence and speed to tie up the bulk of their business early on.

Adding to their attack, midfield and backline, it was thought that more than enough had been done to provide Sean Dyche with the necessary tools to avoid the drop with some ease.

Alas, four straight Premier League losses to kickstart the campaign instantly ramped the pressure up on the Everton manager.

Thankfully, things have taken a slight turn for the better, but this is a squad still lacking quality in certain areas of the pitch.

Ahead of the January transfer window though, the Toffees have been handed a big boost that could help solve that issue in the engine room.

Everton handed boost in January swoop for Arthur Melo

Relayed by Fabrizio Romano, it was the agent of Arthur Melo who has once again spoken out about the mistreatment of his client.

Federico Pastorello will be frustrated having seen the Brazilian enjoy a fine loan spell last season with Fiorentina, only to return to the Juventus sidelines after failing to secure another move away.

He claimed: ’We need to find a solution, he’s never playing and it’s a pity. We spoke to Olympique Marseille, he could be interesting for Roberto de Zerbi with his quality skills.

‘It’s not an easy one due to extra-UE players rule, but we will see’

Everton wanted Arthur Melo in the summer, reportedly, but couldn’t work out a deal. Perhaps this vocal claim could spur on a January switch for the Toffees.

Should Everton sign Arthur Melo?

Over the summer, debate raged on about the Brazilian’s £103k-a-week wages and the £32m that his club might have commanded, but given his stock has surely only fallen even further, these are considerations that should have eased.

After all, Juventus have little bargaining power, with their position having been severely weakened after Arthur’s agent made this speech too.

If they were to tempt the combative midfielder to Merseyside, it would have to be under the perfect circumstances, as a financially viable deal on a shorter contract.

But, to work it out would see Dyche handed a top-quality operator.

When compared to other midfielders across Europe, the 28-year-old sits in the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90, the top 16% for pass completion and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

Then, combing back through his recent loan spell in Florence, he combined that with 1.4 tackles and 4.3 ball recoveries per game too, via Sofascore.

Arthur is a top-quality midfielder, when fit, and if the finances are right this would be a great coup for Everton.