Everton already has to play catch-up with the rest of the Premier League.
While the vast majority of the top-flight teams all played across Saturday and Sunday, the Toffees travel to Elland Road to face off against Leeds United on Monday night, no doubt restless to get their league adventure off the ground.
Jack Grealish might well feature for David Moyes' men for the first time in West Yorkshire, with plenty expected of the former Aston Villa maverick in his new surroundings.
The positive Toffees could well have more exciting Grealish-style signings up their sleeve, too, as transfer deadline day edges ever closer.
Everton chasing £26m star
While Grealish will undoubtedly boost the Scotsman's options in attack, Everton have other targets in mind to further enhance their attacking personnel.
Indeed, reports have filtered through that Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has long been on the Merseyside club's shortlist, along with Leicester City star Abdul Fatawu, allegedly catching their eye down the wings.
Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu
The defence might well also need some reinforcements at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which is where Arsenal figure Jakub Kiwior could come to the rescue for Moyes and Co.
As per a report by Caught Offside, Everton are chasing after the services of the Gunners utility figure, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace also in the race, as the Eagles prepare for potential life without Marc Guehi.
jakub-kiwior-arsenal-premier-league
It is being speculated that £26m could be enough for Arsenal to part ways with their Polish defender, with AC Milan also keeping close tabs on the unfolding drama involving Kiwior.
While he wouldn't be seen as instantly flashy as Grealish's arrival, landing the versatile 25-year-old's signature could be as rewarding as snapping up the former Villa midfielder, if he goes on to be a success story on Merseyside.
How Kiwior could be Grealish 2.0
Grealish will be relishing the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on his new set of fans, having had to operate in the shadows at the Etihad.
Last season saw the enigmatic 29-year-old start just seven Premier League games for the dented Citizens, with a single goal and assist still managing to come his way from those limited opportunities.
Moyes will be hoping to restore Grealish to his rampaging Villa best, donning Everton blue, however, with the three-time Premier League champion picking up a memorable 32 goals and 43 assists on the books of his beloved, boyhood employers.
The Scotsman will also be anticipating plenty more from Kiwior if he is given equal opportunities to shine away from North London, having only ever really been utilised as a useful back-up figure at the Emirates, much like Grealish.
Kiwior's PL numbers for Arsenal
Stat
Games played
Games started
Goals scored
Assists
Completed passes
Duels won
Clean sheets
Stats from the Premier League
Looking at the table above, it's clear that Kiwior could thrive at Everton if handed more consistent first-team minutes, with a standout three goals and three assists coming the Arsenal number 15's way under Mikel Arteta's wing in the Premier League, despite only making 26 appearances from the start.
Moreover, the former Spezia defender has also collected nine clean sheets from those limited starts, with Moyes now ready to hand Kiwior more regular opportunities to impress on Merseyside, alongside Grealish, who will also be champing at the bit to succeed.
jakub-kiwior-arsenal
While he hasn't always been front and centre of Arteta's plans at Arsenal, he did warrant a big move to the Gunners back in 2023 after seriously impressing in Serie A as a much-talked-about youngster, much like Grealish was the talk of the town when he was still at Villa Park.
His standout stint at Spezia would see a call-up to the Poland international team land in his lap, with Polish great Robert Lewandowski lauding Kiwior as an "extraordinary" defender when assessing his ability and versatility, with Kiwior also capable as a defensive midfielder, despite being inexperienced lining up for his nation.
This has all the signs of being a shrewd capture by Everton, with Kiwior ready to become a much-loved, first-team figure in the Premier League, alongside Grealish, with both players aiming to demonstrate why they should have started more games last term.