Everton are interested in Eljif Elmas, who, despite being considered an important player at Napoli, could leave for the right price.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton have set their sights on Eljif Elmas as a potential signing before the transfer deadline. The North Macedonian star is considered a crucial part of Napoli but could be sold for the right price in this window.
Elif Elmas has been quietly putting in brilliant performances for Napoli without ever catching the media eye. Now, the attacking midfielder has popped up on the radars of Everton, who are now keen on bringing the North Macedonian to Goodison Park.
Elmas has been a consistent performer for Napoli since joining the club in 2019. The 22-year-old had his best season with the Italian club last time out as Napoli pushed for the Serie A title. The Partenopei will be keen to hold on to his services, but interest from the Premier League could become difficult to contain.
Everton are the side keen on Elmas, as Frank Lampard looks to dash late in the window to bring in quality reinforcements. While the club is conducting limited business, the Toffees may sign only one or two players before the window shuts due to their recent financial problems.
Lampard is keen for attacking players to arrive at Everton, preferably a striker and an attacking midfielder. They are linked to several options as the manager seeks replacements for Richarlison, the exit-bound Dele Alli and the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Toffees have seen links to Ajax star Mohammed Kudus, who could play in the attacking midfield role, while there have been few rumours connecting a few forwards. Everton initially wanted Morgan Gibbs-White, but his high price tag effectively pushed the Toffees out of the picture. The player has since joined Nottingham Forest from Wolves, which has forced Lampard to look at alternatives.
Elmas could be that alternative and may even suit Everton’s system. However, his asking price could determine whether the Toffees can afford a deal for the North Macedonian, who has three years remaining on his contract.
Napoli could be open to a sale at the right price, despite rating the player highly and wanting to keep him beyond this window. The Serie A side may also have to ward off suitors for their other stars, such as Hirving Lozano, who is linked with Manchester United.
Whether they are tempted by a potential offer from Everton for Elmas remains to be seen. The most crucial detail about this transfer could be the player’s desire to join the Toffees and move to an unfamiliar league at this stage of his career, especially when he is performing at the highest level with Napoli and is challenging for European football regularly.
