Everton are planning a swap deal with Napoli for playmaker Jesper Lindstrom and left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, according to Football Insider. Antonio Conte is thought to be interested in bringing the Merseyside club’s 25-year-old to Napoli as he looks to create his new squad around his preferred 3-5-2 system. Everton have also made touch with Napoli over 24-year-old Lindstrom, although they prefer a loan-to-buy agreement than a direct permanent transfer. Multiple formulae are currently being discussed, one of which is a cash-plus-player exchange deal.
Lindstrom, who can play on either wing or in the number ten position, has yet to score for Napoli since signing from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. With the impending move of midfielder Amadou Onana to Aston Villa, Everton are weak in the center of the pitch. Lindstrom is one target as Sean Dyche’s midfield makeover begins, and Football Insider reported on Wednesday that the Merseyside club is boosting up their chase of Kalvin Phillips. Everton could consider swapping Ukrainian left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko. Mykolenko has been one of Everton’s most consistent players since signing from Dynamo Kyiv in 2021-22.
The 25-year-old made 34 appearances in all competitions for Dyche last season, scoring twice. He is solid defensively but can also provide an offensive outlet when needed. Mykolenko is now Everton’s sole first-team left-back. If he leaves, the team will need to find a suitable replacement soon, as the Premier League season is about to begin.
