Everton's new shot-stopper Joao Virginia vows to learn from England's Jordan Pickford after joining from Arsenal

The Toffees have snapped up the 18-year-old Portugal youth international on a three-year deal.

He will add competition for places behind England number one Jordan Pickford and Dutchman Maarten Stekelenburg.

Virginia, who came through Benfica’s academy before joining Arsenal in 2015, made 22 appearances for the Gunners at age-group level last season, featuring for both the under-18 and under-23 teams.

He was also a part of the Portugal side who were crowned Under-19 European Championship winners last month.

Virginia told Everton’s official website: "I am really happy to be at Everton.


"I hope to learn a lot from the goalkeepers here, Jordan Pickford, who had a great season and World Cup and Maarten Stekelenburg, who is very experienced, too. This is a great opportunity for me.”

Pickford’s stock has risen since he proved a big hit for England at the World Cup with Chelsea thought to be interested as uncertainly continues around Thibaut Courtois’ future at Stamford Bridge.

But Everton are reluctant to sell with their number one shot stopper also seemingly concentrating on the season ahead with the Toffees.

He told the Daily Mail: “The season is just round the corner so I have cut my holiday short. Manager Marco Silva texted me a few times in the World Cup and I've spoken to our new goalkeeping coach. I feel fresh and I want to improve.”

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