Everton Soares is gathering plenty of interest after his heroics at the Copa America, as Arsenal begin talks to sign Gremio winger.
Arsenal’s search for a winger has not been a successful one so far. They have been linked with a host of players without being closer to any of their reported targets. The Sun are now reporting of possible interest in Brazil international and Gremio winger Everton Soares with the Gunners apparently in talks to bring him to the Emirates.
Everton has been in sensational form in the past season helping his side Gremio win with Copa Libertadores title as well as winning the Copa America with national team Brazil. In the absence of Neymar, Everton stepped up in his role and ended the continental tournament as its top scorer, with the last of his goals coming in the final against Peru.
With Arsenal looking for a genuine winger, his name has been considered now. The report claims, Arsenal have already initiated talks with Gremio for the winger. There is also the possibility of former Arsenal star Edu, who was recently appointed as the club’s technical director having a role in this transfer. Edu was associated with the Brazilian national side including for the Copa America win.
With Edu on Arsenal’s side, there is a belief that Everton could be convinced of a switch to the Emirates. Arsenal’s decision to switch their attention towards Everton comes after their failed attempts to lure Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha. The Gunners recently saw a £40 million bid being rejected by Palace who seek more than double that sum.
There were reports of a £72 million offer for LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe in recent days, but those could be dismissed as mere speculation as Arsenal do not have that kind of money in this window. Other players linked were Real Madrid star Lucas Vazquez and Barcelona’s Malcom, but things have gone cold with those pursuits.
As far as Everton is concerned, the fact that Arsenal are in talks with Gremio indicates the player might fall in Arsenal’s affordable price range. The Gunners need to make do with £45 million only this summer, as apart from a winger, the club also needs defensive reinforcements.
Everton has himself confirmed a club have already spoken to and due to links with Edu, its apparently Arsenal. He was quoted saying, “I have a proposal, I cannot name the club”. Additionally, with the Brazilian league season already ongoing, there are significant doubts over Everton’s participation in Gremio’s next game against Bahia.
At 23 years of age, Everton does look like a promising star, who could become more significant in the future. If the reported club are Arsenal or someone else, Everton might consider a move to Europe this time around. As for Arsenal, if they do sign Everton, they might have a bright prospect on their hands, one that can solve Emery’s winger problem.
