Everton have eyes on Brazilian defender starring at Olympics

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Everton are monitoring the progress of Atletico Mineiro fullback Guilherme Arana and have sent a scout to watch him at the Olympics, according to reports in the Brazilian media.

New Toffees chief Rafael Benitez has wasted little time in trying to assemble a competitive squad. Andros Townsend arrived on a free transfer while former Leicester City winger Demarai Gray was signed from Bayer Leverkusen. Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is also on board, with the Merseysiders linked to many more players.

Not all will arrive but Brazilian outlet Torcedores (via Sport Witness) are suggesting the Goodison Park outfit are keen on Arana. The 24-year-old is currently involved with the South Americans’ Olympic team.

The men in green and yellow have advanced to the quarter-finals where they will face Egypt. And Everton scouts will be keeping a close eye on Brazil’s left-back.

The defender began his career with Corinthians. He does have experience of European football having been on Sevilla’s books for three years.

However, he made only 25 appearances for the Spanish club and was loaned to Serie A side Atalanta in the summer of 2019. That loan lasted just six months before he made a temporary switch to his present club.

Rafa Benitez, new Everton boss during his Newcastle days

The deal included a clause that saw it became permanent this summer. However that has not stopped other clubs from keeping tabs on his form.

The report claims Everton were watching him during the last Brazilian season. The north-west giants do have a history of signing Brazilian players over the past few years.

Allan and Richarlison are still on the books, with the latter starring in Tokyo alongside Arana. Bernard completed a trio of Brazilians but has now left for United Arab Emirates club Sharjah.

Everton not alone in Japan

The Olympics is an excellent way of young players putting thmslves in the shop window for a switch of clubs. The majority of players are in the Under-23 category and represent the type of stars clubs desire.

Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Milan, New York City, Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donestk have all sent scouts to the Far East. Whether they are eyeing Everton’s target remains to be seen.

James Rodriguez Richarlison Dominic Calvert-Lewin Everton TEAMtalk

Arana was linked to a few Premier League clubs back in 2017. But it was Sevilla who landed him for just €11m.

He was never really given much of an opportunity at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, with only 12 league outings. However, with things on the up a move to the Premier League may be on the cards.

Torcedores claim he has a release clause of €40m and Galo will not go below that figure.

READ MORE: Everton rekindle Brazilian interest as Benitez ‘likes’ what he sees