It is expected that Everton, due to the clear financial constraints they remain under, will have to act with intelligence, accuracy and incision all throughout the summer.
A tiring process for Kevin Thelwell and Sean Dyche, but a necessary one to ensure the club’s long-term future remains secured.
They cannot risk the present in order to fast-track what progressmay come down the line, as Farhad Moshiri tried and failed to do, with PSR painfully reminding the Iranian of his misery throughout the most recent Premier League season.
And yet, despite this cautionary tale still very fresh in the memory, links are persisting between the Toffees and one very expensive risk that they seem poised to potentially make.
Everton want to sign Arthur Melo
The latest comes courtesy of Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, who reaffirm Everton’s interest in Juventus outcast Arthur Melo.
Well-known on Merseyside as a one-time Liverpool loanee who could not overcome his injury issues to shine under Jurgen Klopp, he has since returned to Juventus and somewhat proven his quality with Fiorentina.
His renewed talents are not desirable enough for the Turin club to keep him around though, and they are seemingly desperate to find a suitor for their£53k-a-week flop.
And this report states that both the Toffees and West Ham United have made contact, but will also have to battle the allure that Napoli could offer too.
Although a rather tenuous link, Everton might be able to use what relationship he will have shared with the likes of Richarlison and Allan to tempt him to Goodison Park, given he played with both of them at international level.
Both enjoyed relatively successful spells on Merseyside.
Everton could do without more expensive risks
Whilst it may be tempting to snag this midfielder whilst his stock is likely at an all-time low, it does seem to be the exact kind of risk that this new era at Everton are trying to avoid.
Although, it is hard to look past a stellar season in Florence, where he maintained a 7.12 average rating. That lofty figure was buoyed by a 92% pass accuracy and five goal contributions from defensive midfield, whilst he also averaged one key pass, 1.4 tackles and 4.3 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
Were the Everton to sell Amadou Onana perhaps, then a very cheap deal or even a loan might help plug that engine room gap for a season.
But acquiring the 27-year-old, on what would likely be a long and lucrative contract, is the kind of rash decision-making which has left Thelwell cleaning up messes of the past.
Arthur clearly has talent, but perhaps talent that would be better exercised at a club that can afford to take a risk on his services.