Everton manager David Moyes has stated his preference to retain young midfielder Harrison Armstrong despite a reported £40m bid from Nottingham Forest. The 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Everton’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, with Moyes calling any potential transfer a “club decision.”
Moyes initially declined to comment extensively on the bid, saying only that he was aware of the offer. His remarks came after Forest reportedly agreed a separate £22m deal for another player, highlighting the ongoing transfer activity as the window nears closure.
Key Facts
- Nottingham Forest made a reported £40m bid for Everton’s Harrison Armstrong
- Moyes called Armstrong’s potential transfer a “club decision” after Everton’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth
- Armstrong, 19, played the full 90 minutes in the Bournemouth match
- Crystal Palace agreed a separate £22m fee for an unnamed player
- Moyes stated “I don’t think we can afford to lose any players” regarding Everton’s squad
Why Everton want to keep Armstrong
The young midfielder has become an increasingly important part of Everton’s squad, evidenced by his full-match appearance against Bournemouth. At 19, Armstrong represents both immediate value and long-term potential for a club that has faced financial constraints in recent transfer windows. Moyes’ public desire to retain the player suggests he sees Armstrong as part of Everton’s core squad rather than a sellable asset.
How might Forest respond?
Nottingham Forest’s substantial £40m bid indicates serious interest in the young midfielder. Should Everton decide to entertain offers, Forest may need to increase their bid or structure payments favorably to secure the deal before the transfer window closes. Their simultaneous £22m agreement with Palace shows they’re actively strengthening their squad with multiple targets.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Nottingham Forest has made an offer for Harrison Armstrong reportedly worth £40m
- David Moyes prefers to keep Armstrong at Everton
- The final decision will be made at club level, not solely by the manager
Still unconfirmed:
- Whether Everton’s board is inclined to accept the bid
- Armstrong’s personal preference regarding a potential move
- Any potential add-ons or performance clauses in Forest’s offer
Why It Matters
This developing transfer story highlights the competing priorities facing Premier League clubs – balancing immediate financial pressures against long-term squad building. For Everton, the decision could signal whether they prioritize short-term finances or maintaining their emerging talent. For Forest, it represents their ambition to build a competitive squad through strategic investments.
What To Watch
All eyes will be on Everton’s board as they weigh Forest’s substantial offer against Moyes’ preference to retain Armstrong. The coming days should reveal whether the club prioritizes financial considerations or footballing ones, with the transfer deadline approaching. Forest may also adjust their bid if initial attempts prove unsuccessful.