Everton were reportedly keen to sign Lukas Nmecha before he signed a new contract with Manchester City.
Allardyce’s tenure has been an underwhelming one. While the Toffees have moved themselves away from trouble in the Premier League, they do not look anything like the team that many expected to push the top six before the season began. And while Ronald Koeman and the backroom staff should shoulder much of the blame for that, Big Sam has hardly captured the imagination.
The Mirror suggests that Arteta is a name that Bill Kenwright wishes to consider if Allardyce’s spell comes to an end this summer. And if they do appoint the Spaniard, they should arguably look to renew their interest in a striker that they were recently linked with and that knows the 35-year-old well.
The Sun reported back in January (07/01; page 62) that the Toffees were keen on Lukas Nmecha before he decided to stay at Manchester City, and subsequently sign a new contract that transfermarkt reports will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2021.
Nmecha has been brilliant this season for the Cityzens’ under-23 side, scoring eight goals in just seven games in their league, so it is no surprise that Everton wanted to sign him.
And if Arteta makes the move from City to Everton this summer, the Toffees should look to capitalise on his working relationship with Pep Guardiola to try and convince the City boss to let Nmecha move to Goodison Park on loan.
The 19-year-old should be asking for first-team football in the near future if he wants to deliver on his seemingly-frightening potential, and Guardiola would surely be able to trust Arteta to help the starlet on his way by giving him the game-time for the Toffees that he stands little chance of getting with City right now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
