Despite recent PSR issues, Everton has made strategic transfer moves to prevent relegation from the Premier League in 2024/25.
Sean Dyche’s team has already signed midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa, but Lewis Dobbin will go to improve their PSR position.
The Toffees are close to signing Marseille attacker Iliman Ndiaye, who might help improve the club’s goal-scoring record, which was only 40 in 38 games last season.
Despite the recent transactions, the club is still looking for reinforcements to bolster Dyche’s squad, with one player in particular being targeted despite his past dismal term in England’s top flight.
Everton interested in signing former Liverpool flop
Everton are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, who is free to leave the Italian club this summer, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport and Sport Witness.
The Brazilian spent last season on loan at Fiorentina in Italy, hoping to rebuild his career after a botched £72 million transfer to the club in 2020.
He previously had a loan spell at Liverpool, but only played 13 minutes due to injury issues.
Last season, he made 33 appearances for the Europa Conference League finalists, impressing Dyche and the Everton hierarchy.
Why Arthur Melo would be perfect for Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Despite scoring seven Premier League goals in 2023/24, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled to hit the net in the past year.
Last season, the 27-year-old had an xG of 12.9, resulting in nearly six missed league goals for Dyche’s side, contributing to the club’s poor goal scoring record.
However, Arthur’s probable arrival at Goodison Park might be ideal for the striker, as the former Barcelona player has produced multiple amazing figures that could greatly aid Everton’s number nine.
Last season in Serie A, the Brazilian was exceptional in possession, showcasing the skills that prompted Juventus to pay a high amount for his services only a few years ago.
During his 33 games in Serie A, he averaged 68 passes per 90 and completed 91% of them, placing him in the top 1% of all players in Italy’s top flight during the last year.
| Arthur Melo’s stats per 90 in Serie A (2023/24) | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | Tally |
| Games | 33 |
| Passes | 68 |
| Pass completion rate | 91% |
| Progressive passes | 6 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.3 |
| Stats via FBref | |
Arthur, dubbed “outstanding” by former teammate Jordan Henderson, averaged six progressive passes per game and played the ball into attacking areas for Calvert-Lewin. He orchestrated 3.3 shot-creating actions per 90, demonstrating his ability to provide opportunities for Dyche’s attackers.
Although he has previously struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, Arthur has demonstrated over the last year that he can still thrive in Europe’s best divisions, and his abilities will definitely benefit the Toffees.
The club already has tenacious ball-winning players in Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana, but the Brazilian’s abilities might provide Dyche with a fresh alternative in the middle of the pitch and help to complete his midfield.
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