Everton: Arnaut Danjuma exit may now be given green-light before transfer deadline as new twist emerges from Lyon
Arnaut Danjuma’s exit from Everton could well be revisited before Thursday’s deadline after a brand new transfer twist at Lyon.
UK news outlet Daily Express shared (29 January) that the Toffees are keeping an eye on the talented Irish defender Jake O’Brien before the deadline as they prepare for life without Jarrad Branthwaite in the near future.
However, Lyon have made it clear that they are not willing to sell this month but Everton are reluctant to give up their chase for his signature.
In a brand new twist after Everton’s stance not to allow Danjuma’s departure, there is now talk of terminating Danjuma’s loan spell at Goodison Park so he can sign for Les Gones if it increases the likelihood of O’Brien being allowed to leave.
Clubs in the Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga are all keeping track of the 22-year-old, who has made a stunning impression at the club becoming the first Irish star to play in Ligue 1 for more than two decades.
The Toffees’ desperation to sign O’Brien is pretty clear from latest developments with L’Equipe also reporting on 27 January that Everton want to sign him before Thursday’s deadline and the club have blocked Danjuma’s exit until then with the Ligue 1 side keen on signing him.
However, there is now a chance that could well be given the green light if Lyon are willing to do business.
Liverpool Echo reported on 18 January that the Toffees want to keep the Villarreal loanee at the club until the end of the season but Danjuma’s wish could make things difficult at Goodison Park.
Agreement on personal terms is believed to have already been reached [Foot Mercato, 11 January] but the decision now certainly rests with the Toffees who may well have to sanction Danjuma’s exit.
Everton really have themselves to blame over Danjuma’s situation at Goodison Park and that’s down to his limited opportunities at the club when his move over the summer was eagerly anticipated by all parties.
Danjuma has hardly been a crucial player for Dyche this season, with the 26-year-old having played just over 800 minutes so far and his wish to leave in search of game time is understandable.
The decision now rests with Everton on whether they wish to cut short Danjuma’s loan to allow him his desire but that will now leave Dyche short in the attacking areas in their quest for Premier League safety.
In other Everton news, the Toffees’ transfer deal to sign an in-form player in January will now include a £7m option to buy.
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