Everton to make official offer soon as player makes transfer decision

Everton are set to make an official offer to Juventus for Arthur Melo "soon" after he made a decision on his future, according to UOL.

Writing on their website (14 July), the Brazilian news outlet report that Thiago Motta has made it clear the midfielder is not in his plans for next season and has been authorised to find a new club.

The Toffees remain the most interested in his services, and Arthur has decided he will not return to Brazil as he prefers to stay in Europe.

Everton to bolster midfield with Arthur Melo transfer?

Midfield is an area that is expected to be strengthened by Sean Dyche this summer, with exits already being sorted out.

Andre Gomes was released at the end of his contract and Amadou Onana is close to completing a £50million deal to join Aston Villa [David Ornstein, 13 July, while Tim Iroegbunam has already arrived and there is talk Dele Alli could pen a new contract [Nizaar Kinsella, 13 July].

But there will be more needed than just those additions if Dyche wants the Toffees to avoid another relegation battle next season, and that means spending money to bring in new faces.

However, after watching Arthur barely get a kick at Anfield for Liverpool while on loan there and stylistically watching him play it's hard to see how he would fit in at Goodison Park.

In a cut-price deal he could add a bit of technical quality to the side, but there will surely be players who better suit the style of the boss and this feels like agent work rather than genuine transfer interest.

In other Everton news, Fabrizio Roano has shared if Barcelona are planning to hijack Amadou Onana's exit.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.