Everton plotting ambitious swoop to beat Tottenham in race for Brazilian star

 

Everton are weighing up an audacious late move to strengthen their squad ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, with reports suggesting they could rival Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in the chase for West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá.

The Toffees have been active throughout the summer transfer window in a bid to address long-standing issues in the squad, particularly their lack of consistent goal-scoring. Over the past two seasons, Everton have struggled to convert chances, and the board has made it a priority to solve that problem under the new ownership.

So far, the Merseyside club have worked hard to freshen up the attack. The signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal has already offered encouragement, with the young striker receiving praise from Thierry Henry after his full debut against Brighton at the weekend. Everton have also bolstered their creative options, most notably with the eye-catching season-long loan of Jack Grealish from Manchester City. The arrival of Grealish has been hailed as one of the most surprising deals of the summer, and fans are hopeful his flair will help unlock defences that Everton previously found difficult to break down.

On top of that, the Toffees secured the signing of Tyler Dibling from Southampton earlier this week in a deal worth an initial £35 million. Interestingly, the 18-year-old midfielder had been closely tracked by Tottenham, but Everton managed to win the race for his signature—a sign of the Friedkins’ ambition since their takeover. Dibling’s father even admitted Spurs were keen on securing his services, underlining how Everton have begun to muscle in on transfer targets previously out of reach.

Now, according to Globo Esporte, Everton could be about to test the waters again by pursuing Lucas Paquetá. The Brazil international is regarded as one of West Ham’s most influential players, and signing him would represent a massive statement of intent. At 27, Paquetá is at the peak of his career and would add vision, creativity, and technical brilliance to Everton’s midfield.

However, the deal comes with complications. West Ham value Paquetá at around £50 million, and Aston Villa are currently thought to be leading the race for his signature. David Moyes is also a huge admirer of the player, making any potential departure from the London Stadium a difficult scenario. While private talks have reportedly taken place, sources close to the situation have described a move as “unlikely” at this late stage of the market.

Still, Everton’s interest cannot be dismissed. The Friedkins have already shown this summer that they are prepared to back bold moves, while sporting director Angus Kinnear is also exploring defensive additions before the deadline. Outgoings are possible too—young striker Harrison Armstrong is expected to be loaned back to the Championship once a replacement forward arrives.

If Everton were to pull off the signing of Paquetá, it would not only shock the Premier League but also underline a significant shift in their transfer power. Few would have imagined them competing with the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham for high-profile players just a few months ago. The move would also raise questions about whether the Toffees should be investing such sums in midfield, given their urgent need for depth in other areas.

Regardless, Everton’s interest in Paquetá is yet another signal of their growing ambition. The Brazilian reminded everyone of his quality in West Ham’s clash with Chelsea last weekend, showcasing why top clubs continue to circle around him. Even if the deal fails to materialise, Everton’s willingness to hold talks for a player of his calibre sends a clear message—they are no longer content with simply surviving in the Premier League.