Everton have already been embroiled in one transfer saga this summer, and are threatening to get dragged into another for a star-studded midfielder.
Having first gone in for Jaden Philogene last month, there was always bound to be huge interest in the Hull City youngster, who tore up the Championship most recently.
However, upon failing to secure his signature, with the 22-year-old now returning to Aston Villa, their efforts had to be translated elsewhere.
It seems Kevin Thelwell has not learned from his mistake though, and now will turn his attention to another sought-after asset, once again facing Premier League opposition.
Everton and Leicester City engaged in transfer battle
Given Everton’s interest in Arthur Melo has been well-documented, and so too has Juventus’ desire to sell Arthur this summer, it does feel like something is brewing regarding his future.
However, when Fabrizio Romano reported this morning that Como 1907 had joined the race, interest was piqued given how the newly promoted Italian outlet has been performing under Cesc Fabregas’ watchful eye.
That was a notion instantly refuted though by Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio, who sought to explain how the lack of financial power of the Italian minnow makes them unlikely to win this transfer tug-of-war.
Instead, it is two Premier League teams leading the charge, with the Toffees namedropped.
He wrote on his personal website: ‘Arthur Melo is a target for Como. The newly promoted club in Serie A is carrying out a large transfer window and has targeted the Brazilian midfielder, who returned to Juventus after the loan to Fiorentina last season.
‘The operation, however, is not easy. Given the high salary of the former Barcelona player, Como could only proceed if Juventus contributed. The 27-year-old is also followed abroad and especially appeals to Everton and Leicester City.’
Arthur Melo would transform Everton’s midfield
Whether it would be a financially viable decision or not, there is no denying that Melo would transform Everton’s midfield with a level of quality that hasn’t been seen at Goodison Park for some time.
That is, if they get the midfielder from last season, who stayed fit and shone for Fiorentina, rather than the one who endured a terrible injury-hit loan spell at Liverpool.
With Amadou Onana leaving for Aston Villa, some sort of replacement is definitely necessary, and whilst his physical profile differs from the Belgian’s, his technical prowess remains at a high level.
After all, when compared to other midfielders across Europe, the Brazilian sits in the top 4% for pass completion, yet he blends that proficiency with an element of danger, having also recorded five goal contributions and managed one key pass and 4.3 ball recoveries per game in the Serie A.
He can do it all, and it is no wonder that he has starred for European giants like Juventus and Barcelona.
Were the fee to be small, and his wages to be more manageable than his current £103k-a-week deal, this injection of midfield majesty could be exactly what Everton need to take their well-oiled machine and replace the engine with the highest-quality alternative.
It could supercharge them to heights few could even dream of.
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