Everton are now said to have entered the race to complete the signing of a “talented” midfield player during the summer transfer window.
Everton make call to sign star winger
The Blues still have over a month to bring in new signings, ahead of an exciting era at the club, with PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko emerging as an eye-catching target.
Everton are believed to be among a host of clubs who have “called” about a potential move for the 22-year-old Belgian, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Bakayoko is far from the only young target for the Blues, however, with talks reportedly taking place with Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee over a move to Merseyside.
He played a key role in England’s Under-21s winning the European Championships earlier this summer, and could be a fantastic long-term option for Everton, providing so much guile and quality.
Everton make contact sign "talented" midfielder ahead of Roma
Now, according to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, Everton have “joined the race” to sign highly-rated Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui this summer ahead of AS Roma.
The 24-year-old is valued at £26m by his current club and there could now be a tug of war between two teams who have the same owners in The Friedkin Group. Everton have been in contact over a deal by recently asking for information regarding a transfer.
El Aynaoui could be a strong addition for Everton, at a time when midfield reinforcements are important, given the fact that Abdoulaye Doucoure has moved on and Idrissa Gueye is now well into his 30s.
The Moroccan operates mainly as a box-to-box midfielder, but is also adept at taking up a more disciplined role in the middle of the park, with journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter describing him as a “highly talented” player.
Last season, Aynaoui scored eight goals in just 17 starts in Ligue 1, highlighting the level of end product he is capable of from his midfield role, but he also averaged 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game at the same time, showing that he can be a force both in and out of possession.
Everton battling to sign Italian midfielder who's lined up for England move
The Toffees will be keen to win the race…
BySean Markus CliffordJul 13, 2025
That is exactly what Everton need this summer, and at 24 years of age, the Lens ace is likely to have his peak years ahead of him, which David Moyes would no doubt love to see happen under his management. It feels like a deal that is very much worth pushing hard to get over the line.