Everton are reportedly closely monitoring 24-year-old Brazilian left-back Guilherme Arana, who is valued at €40 million by Atletico Mineiro at the Tokyo Olympics.
According to a report by Brazilian outlet Torcedores, Everton are interested in signing Guilherme Arana from Atletico Mineiro in the summer transfer window. The Toffees are keeping tabs on the 24-year-old Brazilian defender, who is valued at €40 million, at the Tokyo Olympics and could make a move soon.
Guilherme Arana joined Atletico Mineiro from Sevilla in January 2020 and has since made quite an impression back in his homeland. Initially signed on an 18-month loan deal, the move has been made permanent this summer, with the Brazilian outfit shelling out just €2.5 million to secure his services.
To date, Arana has made 65 appearances for Atletico Mineiro, chipping in with eight goals and ten assists in the process. Currently, the 24-year-old is representing Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics, and his performances are being closely monitored by one of the giants of Premier League, with Everton sending Jamie Hoyland to Japan to observe him.
The left-back slot has not been an issue whatsoever for Everton since the arrival of Lucas Digne from Barcelona in the summer of 2018. Since then, the Frenchman has not only made the left-back slot at Goodison Park his own but also established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.
However, Niels Nkounkou has barely featured at Everton since arriving last summer and it remains unclear whether Rafael Benitez will make use of the youngster. As a result, it is understandable why the Toffees could be pursuing a move for Arana, with a summer move not out of question.
So far, Everton’s focus has primarily been on bolstering their attack, with Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend already arriving at Goodison Park. Furthermore, Gabigol has been scouted at the Tokyo Olympics and could be on his way to Everton as Richarlison’s replacement.
Now, though, it looks like Everton are shifting their focus towards reinforcing their defence, with Arana emerging as a target. However, the Merseyside outfit will need to pay the big bucks to secure his services, with Atletico Mineiro demanding €40 million in exchange of his services.
For now, Arana has simply emerged on the radar of Everton, who have sent technical observer Jamie Hoyland, a specialist in the South American market, to Tokyo to closely monitor the 24-year-old. What now remains to be seen is if a €40 million move sees the light of the day.