Everton are readying a loan bid for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah before the 30 August deadline, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that a deal could depend on whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaves the club before the window closes.
Nketiah’s proposed move to Marseille fell through as the two clubs could not agree on a price tag, while interest from Bournemouth has also faded in recent days.
As a result, Everton could be given a free run at the striker, 25, although Crystal Palace and Wolves have maintained their long-held interest in a potential deal.
Signing a new midfielder and another winger remain the priorities for Sean Dyche this month, but they could be forced to move if one of their current options moves on.
Everton line up striker deal as Dominic Calvert-Lewin twists emerges
Signing a new forward has been key for Dyche this summer as a result of his team’s profligacy in front of goal last time out.
The Toffees finished last season with just 40 goals from 38 league games – the Premier League’s second-lowest scoring team behind Sheffield United.
Football Insider revealed the Toffees have also explored a deal for Chelsea’s Armando Broja, but both his and Nketiah’s asking prices are proving problematic.
However, as clubs edge closer to the end of the transfer window, Everton could pursue loan moves for either forward to bolster their ranks.
Between Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto, the club’s current strikers found the net just 14 times in a combined 77 games.
Nketiah, meanwhile, started just 13 games for Arsenal last season and is looking to move on in search of increased playing time to prove his talents in the Premier League.
The striker averages 184 minutes per goal across his career at the Emirates – an impressive record given most of his minutes have come late in games.
