A myriad of suitors from both England and abroad are tracking Cruz Azul winger Orbelin Pineda – and Everton are among them.
According to 90min.com, the 24-year-old is wanted chiefly by London giants Arsenal and Tottenham, whilst West Ham join the Toffees in exhibiting some interest in the player.
Pineda is no stranger to European interest. The Mexican international has ‘long been seen as one of the brightest stars in Mexican football’, according to the report, although he rejected the chance to move to Europe when Manchester City came calling in 2016.
He later opted to swap Guadalajara for fellow Mexican side Cruz Azul in a deal worth more than £10m.
However, competition for his signature extends broadly across Europe, with Monaco, Porto, PSV Eindoven and Ajax also reportedly keen on procuring Pineda’s services.
The Mexican is an experienced international, winning 21 caps for his country and scoring once for his country at senior level [Transfermarkt].
Read Everton Verdict
The Mexican winger boasts some promise; Pineda has scored eight goals and added seven assists in 68 games for Cruz Azul. That is not exemplary on first glance, but he has also stood out for his work rate and ability as a playmaker, according to 90min‘s report.
Standing at a diminutive 1.69m, the player is noted for his nimbleness, agility and dribbling abilities. As a consequence, he could prove to be a racing dynamo cutting down the flanks to enhance the Toffees’ goal threat.
With his contract due to expire in 2021, a move could well be on the cards – although Everton will have to fight hard if they are genuinely interested in landing Pineda.
