Martinez delighted with Everton's signing of Deulofeu

Roberto Martinez believes Everton have acquired an "incredible football talent" after they completed the permanent signing of winger Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona.

The 21-year-old has agreed a three-year deal, with the option of a further year, after Everton agreed a 6million euros fee, with the player officially joining the club on 1 July.

Deulofeu is well known to Everton fans, having impressed at Goodison during a season-long spell in the 2013/14 campaign. He made 25 Barclays Premier League appearances, scoring three goals, including a superb late strike at Emirates Stadium which gave Everton a 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger's side could one of Everton's opponents when they

"Gerard needs no introduction to anyone here at Everton, for we are all well aware of his incredible footballing talent," Martinez told told evertonfc.com. "We got to know him really well from his loan period, not only as such a talented player but also his great character. He will be a fantastic asset to our club.

"We are getting an even more mature player now than he was a couple of seasons ago and a player who considers Everton as home. This is why we are incredibly excited to have him back here on a permanent basis and to encourage him to grow, develop and mature his enormous talent."

Deulofeu is Everton's second signing of this summer's transfer window, after the capture of Tom Cleverley and Martinez is planning to add more new faces during pre-season, which for the Toffees includes a trip to Singapore for the Barclays Asia Trophy 2015.

"Having done this now, we will have more time over the remainder of the window to carry on strengthening our squad, which is already strong, and we will use this time ahead of us well," the Everotn manager said.


Martinez's side open BAT 2015 on 15 July when they take on Stoke City at the National Stadium, in Singapore. Arsenal and a Singapore Select XI are also competing, with the final being held on 18 July.

Everton open their 2015/16 BPL campaign with a home match against promoted Watford on the weekend of 8 August.

source: premierleague