Meet Nathan Zeze: Everton-linked talent who defied parents' wishes and has Premier League dream
Everton-linked Nathan Zeze has a maverick feel to him.
With no defensive signings through the door yet this summer, Everton may now be switching focus to bolstering at the back.
As Michael Keane and James Tarkowski continue to not get any younger, David Moyes may have to look towards the future at the position soon.
Zeze would certainly be one for the future, with the 21-year-old defender still in the infancy of his career despite having already racked up Ligue 1 experience.
Taking the unconventional route to sign for Saudi Arabian side Neom SC last summer whilst still an emerging talent in European football, Zeze will surely return to the continent at some point.
And if it's with Everton, then the Toffees would be signing a confident young centre-back who isn't afraid to take risks.
Why Everton may have to wait a long time to sign Nathan Zeze
Goodison News has discussed Zeze's potential to provide a fundamental change to Everton's defence.
Despite being on the brink of a first-team breakout with Nantes, the French youth international decided to head for Saudi Arabia last summer in a move that raised many eyebrows in France.
And, speaking in an interview with Foot Mercato, he revealed that this was a transfer that initially he was against, as well as his parents advising him against it too.
"It wasn't planned. A month before, if you'd told me I was going to sign in Saudi Arabia, I would have said it was impossible. It all happened very quickly," he said.
"At first, I wasn't too keen on going there; my parents didn't want me to go because I had time in my career.
"But I'm 20 (at the time), I signed a five-year contract, and even if, let's say, I spend five years at Neom and finish my contract, I'll be 25, I could very well come back to Europe.
"I thought to myself, it's better to go to Neom with a French staff, with French, French-speaking players, where I can continue my development.
"All these factors led me to carefully consider my decision, and given my progress and the situation at Nantes, I don't regret it."
So, should Zeze stick to his potential transfer plan in Saudi, then Everton may be forced to wait until 2030 before they can acquire his services.
But what has Zeze said about moving to the Premier League one day, and why has he got a close relationship with an ex-Arsenal star who could help convince him on a switch?
Zeze's dream club isn't a Premier League one
For many young players across the continent, and indeed the world, there's no greater ambition than playing in the Premier League.
To many, it's the best league in the world, and that's also how Zeze feels about it too.
However, if you were to offer him his ideal transfer on a plate, then he wouldn't be taking his talent to these shores.
"Real Madrid (his dream club) without hesitation, or playing for a Premier League club," he continued.
"I think it's the best league in football today (Premier League). Joining the PL would definitely be a goal. In any case, I'm working every day to prepare for that possibility."
Zeze also has a very close contact with a player who once shone in England with Arsenal, and Everton could use that to their advantage when trying to convince him on a move.
"I often talk with (Alexandre) Lacazette, we understand each other well, he's a bit like an uncle to me," Zeze revealed.
"He gives me advice because he's played against great defenders, against great teams, he knows what I need to do to reach my full potential.
"Having him here (Neom) helps me a lot and allows me to progress. You listen carefully to what he says, you know it's not just empty talk, he speaks from the experience of a top-level player."
So, whilst Everton may have to be patient with Zeze, he definitely has the feel of having instant fan-favourite potential if he moves to Hill Dickinson Stadium.