Everton ‘doing everything’ to sign Bournemouth-linked LaLiga talent as Lampard eyes vital recruits
Everton have reportedly ‘done all they can’ to sign Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma this month, while the Dutchman is being heavily linked with a return to Bournemouth.
Pressure is mounting on Toffees manager Frank Lampard as his team find themselves 19th in the Premier League table after their most recent defeat to Southampton, so there is an increasing demand for new signings.
Villarreal are willing to let Danjuma leave in the current window, with the Dutchman’s representatives currently in London negotiating his next destination.
On Monday, TEAMtalk exclusively revealed that Bournemouth are hoping to convince Danjuma to re-sign this winter. But Everton could still scupper their plans after tabling their own offer.
This is according to Twitter transfer expert ElBobble, who is well-known among Evertonians for revealing transfer news before it becomes official.
For instance, he recently predicted the departure of Nathan Broadhead, as well as the recall of Toffees loanee Ellis Simms, days before the deals were confirmed.
Speaking about Danjuma, he said: “Everton have offered a deal to Spanish club Villarreal for Arnaut Danjuma.
“The player and his representatives met the club on the weekend with Everton now awaiting the decision from the player, with other clubs registering interest.
“Everton have done all they can on this deal now. Not much more the football club can do.”
It is believed that both Everton and Bournemouth are looking to agree a loan-to-buy arrangement for Danjuma, with the player valued by Transfermarkt at £35million.
Everton and Bournemouth in two-horse race for Danjuma
Nevertheless, given Danjuma’s two-year spell with Bournemouth between 2019 and 2021, there is still a good chance he will head to the south coast rather than Merseyside.
The Netherlands international’s decision could be of massive importance for the two relegation contenders, as he possesses the quality to turn both of their seasons around.
As mentioned, Everton currently sit in the drop zone after winning just three of their 19 games so far this season, while Bournemouth are just one point ahead of them, so both clubs are looking to make some quality additions this month.
During Danjuma’s stint at the Vitality Stadium, he played a total of 52 matches, scoring 17 goals and making eight assists.
His debut season was in the Premier League, where he initially struggled, failing to score in 14 league appearances and in a campaign that saw the Cherries drop to the Championship.
However, the following season, Danjuma was one of Bournemouth’s star performers, netting 15 times in 33 games as his team clinched a play-off spot.
He then left the Cherries for Villarreal in 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 isn’t in Quique Setien’s plans. The manager has made it clear they are willing to listen to offers for him.
Everton will be desperate to get a deal over the line for Danjuma. But now, the power is completely in the player’s hands, so it will be interesting to see which of the two clubs he chooses to join.
