David Moyes alongside a circle inset of Mikel Arteta.
Credit: Imago
Samuel Fabre
Wed 17 December 2025 13:10, UK
Everton are looking to strengthen widely in the January transfer window, and their academy could benefit massively.
Braiden Graham is firing in the goals for Everton Under-21s, scoring 12 times in 26 appearances.
Away from L4, Francis Okoronkwo has been in great form while on loan at League One side Lincoln City, and he could be an option for the Toffees next season.
Everton’s struggles up front have been made clear this season, and despite only being 16 years old, a young Arsenal star who has been making waves could soon be on his way to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton manager David Moyes smiling
Credit: Imago
Everton interested in Arsenal youngster Nefeye Osazee
Everton’s squad has an average age of 26.9, the third-highest in the Premier League.
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However, they are clearly on the hunt for promising talent, and Nefeye Osazee is the latest wonder to be linked with the Toffees as his exit from Arsenal becomes imminent.
The Talent Hunter has reported on X that Osazee is attracting serious interest from Everton, Leeds United, Bournemouth, and Tottenham.
Osazee was part of the Arsenal U16 squad, which won the U16 Premier League National Tournament last month, and he has enjoyed plenty of success at youth level.
The 16-year-old forward is also linked with several Category One and Two youth teams, and his future certainly looks promising.
Following his imminent departure from Arsenal, 16 year-old forward Nefeye Osazee is attracting serious interest from Everton, Leeds United, Bournemouth, and Spurs.👀✍️
Along with these clubs, a number of other Cat 1 and Cat 2 clubs are also showing interest in signing Osazee.✅… pic.twitter.com/uA3FpRR81z
— The Talent Hunter 🎯 (@thetalenthunt3r) December 16, 2025
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The Toffees have only used 19 players this season, the fewest of any team, and perhaps Moyes could rely on his young talent slightly more to balance out minutes in the squad.
Everton have catching up to do when it comes to developing youth
While experience is certainly valuable in the top flight, planning towards the future is always a priority.
Everton‘s recruitment strategy did slightly change in the summer, with Thierno Barry, Tyler Dibling, and Adam Aznou coming through the door as younger players with high potential.
Player Age
Tyler Dibling 19
Adam Aznou 19
Thierno Barry 23
Carlos Alcaraz 23
Merlin Rohl 23
Mark Travers 26
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 27
Jack Grealish 30
Everton’s summer signings
However, it took Barry 15 matches to score his first goal, while Dibling has only made one Premier League start.
If there was one criticism of the Toffees at the moment, it would definitely be the lack of emerging stars who have proven their worth in the top flight from Finch Farm.
Should Everton beat out several Premier League clubs to sign Osazee, it would certainly mark a step in the right direction.
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