View: Everton's pursuit of £34m ace shows transfer department has come a long way

Arthur Atta has emerged on Everton’s radar ahead of a prospective summer move.

The Blues will undoubtedly be looking to strengthen David Moyes’ options for next season after the Scotsman proved he can push this Toffees outfit further.

European football could return for the Blues, and if confirmed, transfer plans will certainly change.

Qualification for Europe would give Everton more options on the market, but it would also likely mean they need more signings than if they fail to achieve their goals.

Everton’s scouts have plenty of work to do, and it appears their tracking of Atta at Udinese showcases an exciting method of shortlisting players.

How Arthur Atta compares to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Everton

Transfer links for Atta make perfect sense, as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall looks to be a similar player, according to data from Sofascore.

The two midfielders are both creative forces in the final third, with 1.2 key passes per game, while Atta has created five big chances and Dewsbury-Hall has eight.

However, the true comparison comes from where they play on the pitch.

Throughout his time this season, Atta, while being deployed as a central midfielder, often finds himself in the half-space on the left.

Interestingly, they are the same areas that Dewsbury-Hall takes up for the Toffees. As shown by Atta’s (left) heatmap and Dewsbury-Hall’s (right) below.

The Englishman has been excellent for Everton, so seeking a replacement would make little sense.

However, with Europe on the horizon, the Blues will need plenty of backup options.

It seems like Everton’s scouting department is beginning to scout profiles, rather than just talent.

That will go a long way into helping the Toffees remain in the top half of the Premier League table for years to come.

Why Everton signing similar profiles can keep them competitive

Having players throughout the squad that can slot into the role of another star seamlessly is key for teams looking to remain successful.

In a way, the arrival of Thierno Barry did show the Blues were leaning in that direction, with clear similarities to Beto.

So, the fact that from the outside looking in, it seems that Everton are once more beginning to recruit in that way with interest in Atta shows they are coming a long way, even if he could cost £34million.

Too often, clubs across world football can rely on one player to produce the goods and ultimately crumble when they fall out of form or get injured.

There was fear that Everton would fall into that trap without Jack Grealish.

However, if Atta arrives for Everton and if Dewsbury-Hall becomes unavailable at any point, they have a midfielder who understands the area of the pitch he must influence.

Atta would be an excellent understudy to Dewsbury-Hall and provide healthy competition among the squad.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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