Everton and Bournemouth set to ‘hold talks’ with LaLiga attacker in potentially season-defining move
Everton and Bournemouth will both reportedly hold talks with Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma this week, with Aston Villa and Tottenham also interested.
The Spanish club are allegedly willing to let the Dutchman leave on a loan-to-buy basis this month, which has left the four Premier League clubs battling for his signature.
With Everton and Bournemouth both in the midst of a relegation battle, Danjuma could have the quality to turn both of their campaign’s around.
As mentioned, Danjuma seems to be surplus to requirements at Villarreal and it looks like a return to the Premier League could be likely.
The Dutchman had a two-year stint at Bournemouth between 2019 and 2021, so it was believed that the Cherries held the advantage in negotiations.
However, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, both Everton and Bournemouth will both meet with Danjuma’s entourage in the coming days, meaning whoever tables the most lucrative personal terms will likely win the race to sign him.
Villa and Tottenham have also registered an interest in the attacker, but Crook made no mention of them in his report.
With that in mind, if the Toffees or the Cherries can get a deal over the line, Danjuma could be the difference between relegation and survival for both teams if he can hit the ground running in the Premier League
Everton and Bournemouth eye potentially season-defining swoop for Danjuma
During his two-year stint at Bournemouth, Danjuma played a total of 52 games, scoring 17 goals and making eight assists. His first season was in the Premier League, where he initially struggled, failing to score in 14 league appearances and the Cherries were ultimately relegated.
However, playing in the Championship, he was one of Bournemouth’s most vital players, netting 15 times in 33 games as his team clinched a playoff spot.
He then left the south coast for Villarreal on a £21m deal, which was a record signing for the Spanish team.
Over the last two seasons, Danjuma has contributed 22 goals in 51 appearances, along with four assists, giving him an impressive average of 0.51 goal contributions per game in Spain.
Despite Danjuma being in good form for Villarreal, he doesn’t seem to be in Quique Setien’s plans as the club have made it clear they are willing to listen to offers for him.
It has recently been claimed that Aston Villa and Spurs were leading the race, but given these latest developments, it now seems that Merseyside or the south coast is Danjuma’s most likely destination this winter.
Everton currently find themselves second-bottom in the Premier League after winning just once in their last eight league games, most recently losing 2-1 at home to Southampton.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has once again struggled with injuries this season, while summer signing Neal Maupay has failed to find his shooting boots with just one goal in 13 outings so far.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, are only one point outside the drop zone and have won just four of their 19 league matches this season.
Signing a proven goal scorer could be the difference between relegation and survival for the two clubs, so it will be interesting to see who gets a deal for Danjuma over the line.
