Everton have made contact with Arsenal over a deal to sign teenager Ethan Nwaneri, as competition for the 19-year-old continues to heat up this window.
The England youth international returned to Arsenal following a difficult loan stint at Marseille, where he managed just nine Ligue 1 appearances in a frustrating campaign.
Nwaneri had hoped the move to France would provide consistent first-team football, but the spell failed to deliver the regular minutes required to aid his development.
Arsenal are now looking to move the youngster on permanently before the transfer window shuts, with the club seeking a fee of at least €35 million for his signature.
According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton are preparing a formal offer to sign Nwaneri and are ready to compete with several other interested clubs.
AC Milan have been among the frontrunners in the race, but their preference for an initial loan deal with an option to buy may not align with what Arsenal are seeking.
Arsenal’s insistence on a permanent sale could work in Everton’s favour if the Merseyside club are willing to meet those financial demands outright.
Everton believe that offering Nwaneri consistent first-team football could help the teenager fulfil the significant potential he showed during his earlier breakthrough period at Arsenal.
Fulham and RB Leipzig are also reported to be monitoring the situation, meaning Everton face a crowded field of suitors if they are to land their target.
The competition from multiple clubs across England and Europe suggests Arsenal will have no shortage of options as they look to secure their asking price for the gifted attacker.
Everton’s approach signals their intent to be active before the window closes, with the club keen to add attacking quality to their squad for the remainder of the season.
The coming days are likely to prove decisive in determining whether Everton can move quickly enough to beat their rivals to the signing of Nwaneri from Arsenal.