Transfer News

Gary Lineker admitted the player Everton are keen on signing is ‘special’

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Everton are assessing the transfer market for good opportunities that will genuinely strengthen David Moyes’ squad.

Angus Kinnear, speaking last month, admitted that Everton will be avoiding short-term fixes in the winter window.

“We will work towards identifying and executing opportunities that will make us stronger in the long term. But these opportunities will need to be exceptional, and we will avoid short-term fixes that will weaken our hand for phase two of our rebuild next summer.”

Thoughts on potentially signing Ben White? 🤔

Arsenal right-back Ben White.

That said, the Toffees are expected to sign three players this month, as Moyes looks to return the club to Europe.

Now, there is a fresh transfer rumour emerging linking Everton to a playmaker who Gary Lineker is a huge admirer of.

Arsenal playmaker Ethan Nwaneri.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Gary Lineker said Everton target Ethan Nwaneri is ‘special’

It has been reported that Everton are showing an interest in signing Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal this transfer window.

It’s understood that Fulham are also an option for Nwaneri, who is yet to make a single start in the league this term.

Everton fans, would you back a move for Ethan Nwaneri this month? 🤔

It's been claimed we've taken a look at the Arsenal youngster…

A custom graphic showing that Ethan Nwaneri has been linked with Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

(via journalist Ben Jacobs)

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the division, so it’s been a surprise to many that Mikel Arteta has used him so infrequently.

Anyhow, if Everton do manage to land his signature, it’d be a serious coup as pundits like Gary Lineker are convinced he’s a ‘special’ talent.

“We saw a lovely cameo too, didn’t we, from Nwaneri,” Lineker said after Arsenal’s 4-2 win against Leicester City last season. “He looks really gifted. He looks special.”

Alan Shearer has also labelled Nwaneri as a ‘potential superstar’.

Joe Cole compared Ethan Nwaneri to Lionel Messi

Because of his diminutive frame and wand of a left foot, Joe Cole actually compared Nwaneri to the great Lionel Messi last year.

“He’s a strong little thing,” Cole said in February 2025.

“You can’t mark him because he can go both ways. These touches he produces in and around the box, I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi.

“I don’t want to put any more pressure on the kid’s shoulders, I’m sure he’ll deal with it. He plays with such confidence and he’s a beautiful player.”

Everton’s priority is a striker this January, but as Angus Kinnear said, if an exceptional opportunity arises, the club will consider it.

This is certainly one of those deals.