Arsenal have reportedly joined the growing list of clubs interested in a deal for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
After making a name for himself with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 campaign - winning the KNVB-Beker during his time in the Netherlands - Branthwaite has cemented a regular starting role in the Toffees' backline.
Forging a successful partnership with James Tarkowski, Branthwaite has started 18 Premier League matches for the Toffees in the 2023-24 season, keeping six clean sheets in the process, as well as helping to shut out Crystal Palace in a pair of FA Cup ties.
Thanks to Branthwaite's exploits, Everton have recovered from their crushing 10-point deduction to keep their heads above water in the Premier League table, sitting one spot above the relegation zone in 17th place.
However, Dyche's side only hold a one-point lead over Luton Town - who have a game in hand - and they have now been charged with another breach of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
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Despite their ongoing off-field problems, Everton tied Branthwaite down to a new contract until 2027 back in October, but they would be highly unlikely to retain his services should they suffer relegation to the Championship.
Manchester United and Real Madrid are both understood to be attentive to the situation, and according to talkSPORT, Arsenal have also become keen admirers of the 6ft 4in centre-back.
The report states that the Toffees will likely be pressured into parting ways with Branthwaite during the summer to help alleviate their financial issues, putting a few top European teams on red alert.
Scouts from Man United are understood to have been running the rule over Branthwaite all season long, while ex-Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti would welcome a reunion with the 21-year-old at Real Madrid.
Newcastle United have apparently thrown their hat into the ring too, but Everton are determined not to let Branthwaite leave in January and will reportedly only consider offers of £100m or more over the winter.
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Should Everton's economic situation indeed force them to make big-money sales this summer, the Toffees may be forced to lower their demands, but they can still expect a healthy profit on the £1m they paid to acquire him from Carlisle United in 2020.
Over the past four years, Branthwaite has scored one goal in 36 matches for Everton across all tournaments, and he was also part of the England Under-21 squad which won last year's European Championships.
Arsenal's first-choice central duo of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are relatively short of cover at the minute, as Jakub Kiwior is being forced to play at left-back in place of the injured Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Kiwior has also been linked with a return to Serie A on loan owing to his previous lack of minutes, although a January move is not expected to materialise given Zinchenko's new concern.
Takehiro Tomiyasu will provide another central option when he returns from the Asian Cup, while Jurrien Timber is now working with the ball at his feet as he steps up his ACL recovery.
Ben Knapton
