Arsenal are reportedly ready to splash €40 million on the signing of Brazil international Everton, but should they break the bank to complete a deal?
The Gunners have been heavily linked with the winger in recent times, and according to claims from Globo Esporte, they are prepared to firm up their interest with a bid.
Everton has been performing excellently for Gremio in his homeland and proceeded to catch the eye with Brazil at this summer’s Copa America, which the national team won.
After such an impressive run, it comes as no surprise to see clubs from across Europe lining up to sign him. So, should Arsenal go through with their apparent plans to spend €40 million on the player?
It is clear to see that Unai Emery is keen to sign a new winger this summer. The Gunners are somewhat short of natural wide options, with Alex Iwobi accompanied by youngster Reiss Nelson as the clear choices.
Arsenal’s standout deficiencies throughout last season came in their defensive third, with numerous individual errors made by the club’s centre-backs. Logic would suggest that this is the primary area that needs to be strengthened ahead of next term.
However, as evidenced by the Gunners’ pursuit of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha this summer, it seems Emery is intent on recruiting additional attacking quality, and Everton appears to be high up on his list.
The winger has displayed his excellence on numerous occasions in recent times, emerging as a crucial player in Tite’s Copa America-winning Brazil side, mesmerising defenders with his close control and turn of pace.
Arsenal are blessed with two high-quality strikers in Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and complementing them with a wide player of Everton’s quality could see the club drive towards the Champions League once again next term.
However, if the apparent €40 million outlay for the Gremio star prevents them from signing a central defender for the here and now, with William Saliba set to return to Saint-Etienne on loan following his €30 million switch to the Emirates Stadium, perhaps the North London outfit should reconsider where their limited funds are being spent.
