Everton have seen huge improvements in the Premier League this season following the signing of nine new players in the summer, and it now looks like they are already planning to add even more quality to their team.
What’s the latest?
According to Ben Jacobs, the Toffees have sent scouts to watch Juventus star Weston McKennie.
The CBS reporter tweeted: “Several Premier League clubs have scouted McKennie, including Newcastle, Leeds, Everton and Arsenal. But none have advanced interest yet. He’s a player who could well move to England in January but right now there is nothing advanced from any potential Premier League suitors.”
He could be Everton’s next Arteta
There is no doubt that McKennie would be a great addition to the squad at Goodison Park, and Everton could even get their hands on their next Mikel Arteta if they can fend off the competition to sign the highly-coveted player.
The talented 24-year-old possesses several attributes which make him similar to the former Toffees hero, who displayed versatility and a hard work ethic no matter what role he played for the Merseyside club.
McKennie ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, touches and progressive passes received, whilst also ranking in the top 30% for blocks and aerial duels won, proving that he offers a varied range of strengths in his role at Juventus.
The £53k-per-week American has featured predominantly in both the central and defensive midfield roles – just like Arteta, who also featured mainly in those positions, again illustrating that McKennie could offer the Toffees something similar to what the now-Arsenal manager did in his playing days at Goodison Park.
In 10 Serie A appearances this term, McKennie – who was dubbed “impressive” by journalist Ives Galarcep – has scored one goal, delivered one assist and created three big chances, tallying an 82% pass completion rate and successfully completing 80% of his dribble attempts.
With that in mind, the USA midfielder could be a great prospective addition at Goodison Park. If Frank Lampard can get the very best from him, the 24-year-old could become a key player in the Everton team just like Arteta was all those years ago.
