The £26m goalkeeper-turned-midfielder wanted by Newcastle, Everton and Fulham

While the transfer window may not be open yet, clubs up and down the land are assessing their options, with data departments and scouting networks going into overdrive.

Arsenal’s success this season is not for everyone, but many of Mikel Arteta’s peers have been mightily impressed with how the Gunners have gone about their business. And success leads to replication.

Transfer committees are now looking for players with similar traits to some of Arsenal’s best in their potential recruits. Udinese’s Arthur Atta – wanted by Everton, Newcastle, Fulham and a host of elite Italian clubs – feels he has just what Premier League sporting directors are looking for.

“I’m a player who likes to have the ball in the build-up, to be close to goal, to give my team-mates good balls, create space for teammates and also move a lot to disturb the opponents,” Atta tells The i Paper. “I like to play in the middle and see opponents who don’t understand how to defend those movements.

“I have physical and athletic quality that could be useful in the Premier League. I’m a creative player who can also make a difference one against one. All these things could make me a success in England.”

Which English clubs are interested in Atta?

Fulham had a £17m bid rejected in January for the 23-year-old midfield metronome, named April’s Rising Star of the Month in Serie A. Everton have since joined the pursuit, as David Moyes looks to add some much-needed guile and vigour to his engine room.

With Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes linked with moves away from St James’ Park this summer, Newcastle will need to move fast to replace their outgoing stars. Reports in Italy suggest Atta is the type of profile they could look at.

The i Paper understands all three are considering making an offer this summer, with Udinese looking for closer to £26m if they are to sanction a sale.

Atta did start out life as a goalkeeper in the youth academies of Rennes and Metz, mainly due to his size. The French youth international was far too good with the ball at his feet to be stifled that far back, however, eventually settling in a defensive midfield role as he broke into Metz’s first team.

That uncommon blend of size and technique wasn’t going to go unnoticed for long, with Udinese coming calling in 2024.

Does Atta want to leave Udinese?

Atta is not agitating for a move right now. Udinese are Serie A’s safest bet, having been an Italian top-flight staple for the past 31 years. Mid-table is their sanctuary – the perfect place for young talent to develop without being embroiled in the desperate fight for survival.

“We are a really good group this year,” Atta adds.

“It helps me a lot to be here. I said that a lot of times, when I came here I thought that tactically I was ready and I could play without problems, but after being in Serie A, I understood that my tactical level wasn’t enough. I improved a lot.

“I became stronger and I understood in Serie A, like in England, physicality is really important for duels. Playing for Udinese helps me even more because they are always here for my improvement. This club is ideal to let young players grow up.”

Why Atta wants Premier League move

Atta’s stock, enhanced by his fine end to the campaign, has attracted interest from Napoli and Juventus, too, who love nothing more than hoovering up the best talent Serie A has to offer.

Having worked on the physical side of his game, however, a move to the Premier League may just prove impossible to resist.

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“The Premier League is the best league in the world, if I were to say otherwise it would be a lie,” Atta says. “It’s a league that everyone would like to be playing in one day.

“I have not spoken to any clubs yet so I don’t know what can happen in the future. I play for Udinese and I would like to keep growing and keep playing – this is the most important thing for me. If there are opportunities in the next transfer window, then the club and I will look at the options. I’m really good at Udinese – they help me a lot. I’m a better player compared to when I came.

“The Premier League is the most followed league where there are a lot of top players. It’s a difficult league, so all games are at a top-quality level. I think that’s why it is the most attractive league.”