James McCarthy is a wanted man according to the Irish Independent.
He has on numerous occasions been linked with a move to Arsenal and the Indo does that again today though they're not the only club mentioned. Manchester United and, intriguingly, Inter Milan are the other clubs named.
Arsenal's interest is the one they have the most info on, saying that Arsene Wenger has been "trailing" McCarthy for the last three months and that he has tasked his scouting team with "forensically" examining the 24-year-old's game.
The midfielder signed for Everton just 18 months ago on what was called a long-term deal at the time, so he would be on the expensive side if Arsenal were to follow through.
Whether or not he is the type of midfield player required at the Emirates is another question. Though McCarthy is a tough player, an even more physically robust, defensive-minded midfielder has been a long-term need for Arsene Wenger. That said, it has not stopped him acquiring the services of more technical players in recent years.
McCarthy is not the only Irish player linked with a move away from Everton. The Guardian poured a little bit more fuel on the speculation that Seamus Coleman could be heading to Old Trafford by saying Louis van Gaal hopes to sign the right back "in the January window in a deal that would be worth at least £20m to Everton."
Picture credit: Dave Thompson / SPORTSFILE
