View: Everton can't allow 87% star to leave after what happened in Arsenal loss

Michael Keane’s Everton contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Keane signed a one-year extension last season, and there have been no indication that he is set to sign a new deal at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Keane was thrust back into the starting line-up for the 2-0 loss to Arsenal with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski out at the Emirates Stadium on 14 March.

Everton’s defeat to the Gunners proved why the ex-Burnley man should be kept around beyond the end of the current campaign.

How did Keane perform in Arsenal vs Everton?

Keane was involved in a tangle with Kai Havertz, which was not given as a penalty, but that was his only potential mistake in the match.

The 33-year-old was brilliant defensively, making 16 defensive contributions, including five interceptions, six clearances, blocking four shots and making one recovery, per Sofascore.

The defender completed 26 of the 30 passes that he attempted, for an 87 per cent success rate against Mikel Arteta’s side.

He won two of the five ground duels and two of the four aerial battles that he contested in a wonderful showing.

Keane cleared an effort off the goal line, but also managed to concede two fouls in the loss.

Why the Friedkin Group have easy Keane decision to make

Everton have surely seen all the evidence that they need to extend Keane’s deal beyond the end of this season at this point.

He has proven that he is a reliable backup option, who can step in and start when necessary, whether through injuries or tactical decisions from Moyes.

It would much be harder to find someone in the transfer market who is willing to warm the bench behind Tarkowski and Branthwaite.

The Friedkin Group should realise that clearly Keane is willing to do so, and there is no guarantee that a new signing would be better for the Blues.

The veteran is a big presence in the dressing room, and losing his influence and ability from the squad could be a grave error, especially after his display against the Gunners.

It makes much sense for the Toffees to keep Keane, and focus their attention on other positions when the market reopens.

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