Everton are hoping to sign Arthur Atta from Udinese this summer.
It was Tuttosport in Italy who claimed that Everton want Atta – who Fulham are also keen to sign – as the £34m man starts to make a name for himself in Italian football.
Now, however, the Frenchman has suggested he has no plans to move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer by stating his intention to remain in Udine next season.
What changes would you make from the Brentford game? 😬
Predicted XI Everton vs Liverpool
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Arthur Atta sends indirect message to Everton amid transfer links
Speaking to the official Serie A YouTube channel, the 23-year-old said: “I know I can do better. There’s more to come.
“I’ve definitely progressed since last season and since the start of this season but I have to keep getting better. Hopefully I can do that for myself, and to repay the club for the faith they showed in me.”
Atta – who is similar to Declan Rice – can play in central midfield or an attacking midfield role, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 26 appearances in Serie A so far this season.
The man born in Rennes therefore could have offered David Moyes a lot in the midfield department at Everton, although a deal seems unlikely to materialise after what he said on YouTube.
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There are alternatives for The Friedkin Group to look at, however.
Everton like Shea Charles as the former Manchester City man enjoys a breakthrough campaign at Southampton this term, even netting the winner in the FA Cup against Arsenal to set up a semi-final clash at Wembley against his old side.
Even if Everton fail to sign a new midfielder, an obligation to sign Merlin Rohl on a permanent basis will be triggered at the end of the season for a £17.3m fee, so Moyes will at least be getting one option signed up in the midfield department regardless of what happens with Atta and Charles.
Did Everton make a mistake in signing Merlin Rohl? 🫣
Or do we need to be more patient? 😬
Merlin Rohl of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
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