Everton have decided not to sell Harrison Armstrong in this summer window despite strong interest from Nottingham Forest, according to The Athletic.

The 19-year-old Everton talent enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 season, and his performances have attracted attention from their Premier League rivals.

Nottingham Forest had progressed in talks with Everton over a transfer, with discussions focused on a deal worth about £40 million along with a future sale clause.

However, Everton’s hierarchy eventually decided Armstrong is too important to the club’s plans to approve his exit.

The call will come as a huge relief to Everton fans, many of whom had reacted angrily to the prospect of the academy graduate leaving this summer.

Armstrong started in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth and played 87 minutes, continuing an impressive start to the new Premier League campaign.

Everton’s decision-makers spent a large part of the day considering whether to accept Forest’s offer before unanimously deciding to keep the teenager.

Chairman Dan Friedkin was personally involved in the discussions as the Toffees weighed up selling Armstrong to finance other transfer business.

In the end, his value as both a first-team player and a homegrown asset proved decisive.

Armstrong spent the first half of last season on loan at Derby County before being recalled in January.

He then made 13 appearances for Everton, mostly as a substitute, but has now started their opening two Premier League matches of the new season.

He has become important because of injuries to James Garner and Hayden Hackney, and Armstrong has shown outstanding composure despite his limited senior experience.

Forest had identified the midfielder as a possible replacement for Elliot Anderson. Everton have concluded that he has the potential to develop into an elite midfielder.