According to But! Football, Everton are ‘still following’ Wesley Fofana and may have to battle Arsenal for his signature. AS Saint-Etienne are in a financial crisis from the Covid-19 pandemic this summer and ‘expect to sell’ the 19-year-old for €15m to make up for the shortfall.
Everton failed to replace Phil Jagielka (released on a free transfer), Ashley Williams (released on a free transfer) and Matthew Pennington (loaned out to Hull City) last summer, leaving them with only Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate at centre-back this season.
The Toffees have been linked with Thiago Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Thiago Silva, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marash Kumbulla, Christian Luyindama, Issa Diop and Tosin Adarabioyo this summer, but Fofana may be a cheaper alternative.
The €15m-rated centre-back has made 25 appearances in all competitions for St Etienne since rising through the youth ranks in 2019, so he’s made the step up to senior football with success. Everton under Marcel Brands are targeting younger talent, so Fofana fits the criteria there too.
Time will tell if the Toffees make an official approach or let Arsenal make a move.