Everton have already attracted three new faces to Goodison Park this summer, and despite things going quiet on that front, work still goes on.
Kevin Thelwell has been relentless in his efforts to forge a more sustainable model at the club, and thus far he is achieving success.
However, to continue on that path, he must maintain the same strategy he is currently employing.
This particular deal might stray from that…
Everton readying offer for Arthur Melo
The latest on Everton’s transfer pursuits comes courtesy of Portuguese outlet UOL, who actually suggest that an offer from the Toffees is imminent regarding their newest target.
In fact, the report reads: ‘Despite the arrival of the new coach, the Italian-Brazilian Thiago Motta, Arthur is out of Juventus’ plans and, therefore, has already received authorization to look for a new team to start the new season.
‘Loaned to Fiorentina last season, the midfielder has received a few inquiries in recent days, with Everton currently the most interested party. The English club will soon make an official offer.
‘The former Gremista has also had inquiries from Brazil, but he is not considering returning now. He prefers to stay in Europe, where he also played for Barcelona and Liverpool.’
Everton have wanted Arthur Melo for some time, if earlier reports are also to be believed.
Is Arthur Melo actually any good?
Whilst most people might just associate Melo with his ill-fated and injury-riddled spell at Liverpool, the Brazilian midfielder is far more than that, and has proved it recently whilst on loan with Fiorentina.
After all, journalist Alex Bysouth did back him to ‘rediscover some of his old magic’ during that loan, which ultimately fell flat, yet he still impressed Jurgen Klopp across those six months.
Having made a name for himself at Barcelona, impressing after joining straight from Brazil, he became an odd pawn in an effort to trade two top midfielders, resulting in his move to Juventus.
Admittedly, ever since then, he has never quite recaptured his best football.
But we did see glimpses of it throughout the most recent campaign, where he acted as a remarkable deep-lying playmaker for a side that finished eighth, just outside of the European spots.
His role was integral, as he maintained a 92% pass accuracy whilst also recording one key pass per game too.
He blended such proficiency in possession with a defensive steel too, posting 1.4 tackles and 4.3 ball recoveries per game too in the Serie A.
His press resistance made him even more well-rounded too, enjoying a 73% dribble success rate.
Melo is a top footballer, but at 27 years old comes at the wrong end of his career.
Unless this is some kind of huge bargain, it would represent an uncharacteristic risk for Everton to take. The kind of risk that got them into this mess in the first place.
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