Everton may lose defender Ryan Astley amid interest from Arsenal.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal are interested in snapping up Everton teenager Ryan Astley as he waits for a professional contract offer from the Toffees.
Everton raided the Gunners for young goalkeeper Joao Virignia over the summer, but Unai Emery’s side may now hit back with a raid on Everton.
Defender Astley, 16, has emerged as one of the top young prospects in the Everton setup, and he is now attracting interest from Arsenal according to new reports.
It’s claimed that Astley is still on scholarship terms but turns 17 next month and can be offered a professional deal, but he is waiting for Everton to make that move.
Arsenal have now caught wind of Astley’s situation, and may look to make their move to bring the defender to North London and leave Everton reeling.
The teenager made his debut for Everton’s Under-23’s earlier this year as David Unsworth called him ‘stunning’, as well as ‘absolutely magnificent’ after featuring against Brighton last week.
Everton have seen youth academy graduates Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley move on over the years, but with Jonjoe Kenny, Tom Davies and Kieran Dowell showing real promise, they will hope Astley follows suit rather than heading to Arsenal.
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