The Friedkin Group (TFG), Everton’s American owners, risk provoking a backlash from their own supporters if they agree to sell Armstrong to Nottingham Forest.
Even the suggestion that Everton might part with Armstrong has sparked immediate disbelief and anger among fans. The teenager is widely seen as the club’s most exciting homegrown talent in years and a major hope for the future.
There is no indication yet that Everton will accept an offer, but Forest’s interest is genuine—and completing such a deal would be a major coup for them.
It would also raise concerns about the scope of TFG’s ambitions.
Manager Moyes has been frustrated by the lack of incoming transfers this summer. After Wednesday’s 4-0 Carabao Cup win at Championship side Preston, he made it clear he wanted reinforcements and hoped TFG would back further arrivals.
Since then, Everton’s chief creator Iliman Ndiaye has been strongly linked with Manchester City, and now Forest are set to test Everton’s resolve over Armstrong.
How Moyes would view—or explain—such a sale is an open question, as it appears to conflict with his stated goal of building a stronger squad.
While Everton and their fans might grudgingly accept losing top assets to clubs like Manchester City, the prospect of their most promising youngster being taken by Nottingham Forest—a team they would hope to challenge or surpass—may be far harder to accept.
That’s why Everton’s response to Forest’s approach for Armstrong, who has already impressed this season, could be a defining moment for both TFG and Moyes.