Everton target Arthur Atta
Everton target Arthur Atta
Earlier this month, Everton were mentioned as an interested club for Udinese’s Arthur Atta. Things might be about to get difficult for the Toffees and Nottingham Forest can play a role.
Earlier this month, TuttoSport praised the Frenchman, who has done quite well against big clubs this season. He impressed against AC Milan two weeks ago, also dominating against Inter earlier in the campaign.
This was covered bySport Witness, as the Turin newspaper made it clear that Everton’s previous working relationship with Udinese can help in a move. Fulham had tried to sign Atta in January but their offer wasn’t enough to be taken seriously.
Everything now points at the midfielder possibly leaving the Friulian side in the summer. Lorenzo Lucca’s situation at Nottingham Forest can have an impact on his future.
Atta wants Champions League football
Today, Gazzetta dello Sport make Napoli’s admiration for the 23-year-old quite clear. They can lose Stanislav Lobotka and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and this is making them desperate for a midfield signing.
Arthur Atta’s skillset of being nifty on the ball and his ability to carry it forward are especially liked in Naples.
Udinese value the midfielder at €20m, which is lower than previously reported. While this would come as a boost for Everton, Atta is currently in the hunt for Champions League football.
Napoli have pretty much sealed qualification and are probably in the driving seat for the ex-Metz man.
This is also because they have Lorenzo Lucca’s sale to rely on. While Nottingham Forest appear unlikely to exercise their option to buy, the two clubs are expected to speak soon. This is making Napoli believe that funds from the striker’s sale can be used to sign Atta.
Our take: Situation could be out of Everton’s hands
After their loss to Liverpool, Everton now find themselves eight points away from a Champions League spot. Time is running out for them to make it, even if they can still get some more wins before the end of the campaign.
Even if they do qualify for the Champions League, it seems like Atta is attracting massive attention in Italy. Apart from Napoli, even AC Milan and Inter have been linked with the attack-minded midfielder. All of them are likely to offer him Champions League football and are much more prestigious destinations.