Everton have confirmed that they have ear-marked Philippe Senderos as defensive cover for next season but have yet to agree a fee with Arsenal for the Switzerland international.
The Swiss Football Federation announced on Monday night that the 24-year-old had become David Moyes' first permanent signing of the summer, but while Senderos has informed Arsenal he wishes to join Everton, the two clubs currently differ in their valuation. "We have been negotiating with Arsenal for the transfer of Philippe," the Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright, said. "Nothing has been concluded yet but talks are on-going."
Everton have offered about £3m for Senderos, who has fallen out of favour at The Emirates Stadium and spent last season on loan to Milan, where he made 15 appearances. Arsenal, however, are believed to have an alternative offer of £5m on the table as several clubs, including Hamburg plus a Premier League team, pursue the centre-half. Senderos' desire to stay in the Premier League, and preference for Goodison Park, has given Everton confidence of concluding a deal, but they may have to improve their offer to conclude a deal ahead of the new season.
Moyes is anxious for defensive reinforcement as a result of Phil Jagielka's knee injury, which is expected to sideline the England international until December, and not due to Manchester City's determination to sign Joleon Lescott. Lescott informed the Everton manager on Monday that he wants to double his wages at Eastlands only to be told he would not be sold. City, who have had bids of £15m and £18m rejected by Everton so far, are expected to return with a third offer in the region of £22m.
Lescott missed Everton's friendly at Blackpool tonight with a hip injury but is expected to be fit to face Malaga, and his home supporters, at Goodison on Friday. The England international has outlined his reasons for wanting to leave in a letter to Kenwright but the Everton chairman firmly supports Moyes' view that only an extraordinary offer – in excess of £22m – will be considered.
The Merseyside club, meanwhile, have agreed a deal to sign 21-year-old American striker Cody Arnoux, who plays for Carolina Dynamo in the fourth tier of football in the United States. Arnoux has agreed a 12-month contract with Everton and will initially train with the club's reserve team, subject to the transfer being ratified by the Football Association.
