Everton is apparently prepared to spend £17 million to get a midfield reinforcement for Sean Dyche during the summer transfer season, given the uncertainty surrounding Amadou Onana’s future.
Everton transfer news
Onana might be on his way out, as the Toffees might find themselves in a situation where they have to sell before they can acquire this summer if they are unable to obtain a takeover. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the Belgian, but they would need to spend £50 million to do so in the upcoming months.
With the midfielder gone, Jarrad Branthwaite might remain, which would be a huge plus for Dyche come summertime. Due to Harry Maguire’s injury, the youthful defender was unfortunate to be left out of Gareth Southgate’s final England team for Euro 2024. He may soon return to Merseyside for preseason training.
In the meantime, should Onana depart, the Toffees will want a less expensive replacement, which is where one specific transfer target may be able to help. As reported by Rudy Galetti for TeamTalk, Everton has already made an approach to recruit Matteo Guendouzi for €20 million (£17 million) this summer, although they fall short of Lazio’s €30 million (£26 million) asking price for the former Arsenal midfielder.
It is a price that Everton might have to meet if they want to win the battle to acquire a potential Onana successor, as Aston Villa and other Premier League teams are rumored to be interested in the Frenchman. But considering their current financial situation, that extra £9 million might prove to be too costly in comparison to Aston Villa, who are currently a Champions League team.
Nonetheless, Guendouzi, a 25-year-old player with FA Cup winning experience at Arsenal and Premier League experience, is undoubtedly a good choice.
“Great” Guendouzi may have unfinished business in England
Guendouzi left England more of a whiner than anything else after falling out of favor at Arsenal, but it looks like he has the opportunity to make up for lost time and return to torment his old team in the Premier League. The Frenchman seems eager to play this summer, whether it’s with Everton or Aston Villa.
| League stats 23/24 (FBref) | Matteo Guendouzi | Amadou Onana |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Carries | 48 | 21 |
| Progressive Passes | 120 | 107 |
| Tackles Won | 15 | 38 |
| Ball Recoveries | 121 | 160 |
Guendouzi could come into Dyche’s team and replace Onana if the Belgian were to go, as he would likely provide a new dynamic to Everton’s midfield with his ball-carrying skills. Several of his former clubs have showered the FA Cup winner with praise. Arne Friedrich, the former sporting director of Hertha Berlin, stated via The Evening Standard: “When you talk about Guendouzi and see his skills, you realise that he is a great player.”
“I’ve also read that he struggled at Arsenal, but he acts really well here. He gives the game everything he has. He is a very competent worker. Guendouzi’s predicament shows that we should always know how to assist.
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