Ex-Arsenal right-back close to Premier League return as Everton push for deal

Everton have allowed another transfer window to drift towards its closing stages with the same glaring hole in David Moyes’ squad.

A specialist right-back remains badly needed, and the longer the wait continues, the more the position looks capable of undermining an otherwise solid summer at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The departure of Seamus Coleman removed far more than a club captain. It also took away the Toffees’ most trusted natural option on that side following his remarkable 17-year stay on Merseyside.

Coleman had barely featured during his final campaign, but Everton have still failed to secure the long-term successor they have required for several seasons.

Nathan Patterson is the only recognised senior right-back listed in Everton’s current first-team group. Injuries and inconsistent selection have stopped the Scotland international from making the role his own, leaving Moyes to lean heavily on Jake O’Brien.

The Irishman has worked hard there, although he remains a centre-back filling a job that does not naturally suit him.

It gives Everton less pace and attacking threat down the flank, and with new signing Brennan Johnson now offering speed further forward, an overlapping defender could transform the entire right side.

Moyes needs somebody capable of defending one against one, carrying the ball and delivering regularly into the penalty area.

The search has produced plenty of names without producing a signing. Reports shared interest in Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz and revealed that Everton explored a deal for Djed Spence before he joined Inter Milan.

Arsenal’s Ben White has also been linked, but his move to Merseyside may well depend on whether the Gunners strike a deal for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.

Neither has come through the door, and with the opening weekend approaching, supporters can fairly ask why such an obvious requirement remains unresolved.

Every further delay leaves Moyes preparing for another campaign without a balanced defence, but a fresh report now suggests Everton may finally be moving towards an answer.

Everton pushing for Brooke Norton-Cuffy as he closes in on Premier League return

REUTERS/Ciro De Luca

Italian journalist Orazio Accomando says the Blues and Fulham are both pushing to sign Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, with the 22-year-old believed to be closing in on a move back to England.

Norton-Cuffy was on the books at Arsenal, where loans at Lincoln, Rotherham, Coventry and Millwall provided extensive EFL experience before Genoa signed him permanently in 2024.

The defender made 27 Serie A outings, scored two goals and notched one assist as a powerful wing-back last season, and his time in Italy has helped polish the defensive side of a game previously built around speed, strength and aggressive forward runs.

Norton-Cuffy also knows English football and helped England retain their Euro Under-21 title in 2025.

Fulham’s presence means Everton cannot afford another slow negotiation, but Norton-Cuffy fits the Friedkin Group’s project and would arrive with both domestic experience and top-flight seasoning.