Everton in hunt to sign South American midfield duo, £12.6m could seal one deal - report

Everton are in the hunt to sign South American midfielders Richard Rios and Arthur Melo, according to UOL journalist Bruno Andrade.

Speaking on BAND, and translated by Sport Witness (31 July), Andrade reported that Everton and Leicester are interested in signing Colombian central midfielder Rios. It is understood that Palmeiras want at least £12.6million for the 24-year-old.

Andrade adds that ex-Liverpool midfielder Arthur, who is currently on the books at Juventus.

“There is no information about Richard Rios, who was the main player of Colombia in the Copa América,” the Brazilian journalist told BAND.

“Palmeiras stipulates about €15m (£12.6m) to negotiate for him. There are two English clubs at least above Richard Rios, Leicester and Everton. Everton also has an interest in Arthur Melo, former Grêmio, former Juventus. He is leaning on Juventus with Thiago Motta now.

“But for now, Palmeiras put €15m as the minimum value to negotiate Richard Rios. But the idea is to hold to try to sell only at the end of the year, because he is valued. To reiterate, Palmeiras has 70% of the rights, then 14% for Guarani, 6% Flamengo and 10% for the player.”

Everton need more new signings for 2024/25 Premier League season

It’s been a very productive summer transfer window at Goodison Park.

Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell have overseen the arrivals of Tim Iroegbunam, Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O’Brien while letting go over Lewis Dobbin, Ben Godfrey and Amadou Onana for a combined total of over £70million.

Everton had to continue balancing the books due to PSR issues that continue to plague Goodison but overall, fans should be very pleased with the business that’s been done so far without needing to get rid of high-value stars like Jarrad Branthwaite, Jordan Pickford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Of course, Onana has gone but he was hardly incredible last season and the club has done well to get £50million from Villa for him.

Should the Blues now try to sign Rios and Arthur?

Juventus’ Arthur is tried and tested – and failed – in the Premier League but Rios is an exciting young Colombian midfielder who could be a good addition if a deal gets done.

In other Everton news, Alan Myers has shared who the Toffees are now chasing for signing number six.

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