£60m target who wowed Ian Wright now ‘open’ to Arsenal move during January window

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Everton midfielder Amadou Onana could be on his way to Arsenal.

Arsenal have already been credited with an interest in Amadou Onana, and it has been suggested that Everton’s own financial woes could mean that the Belgian is available for a reduced price. 

That being said, the Toffees are still thought to be reluctant to part with the 22-year-old. The Merseyside outfit paid £33 million to prise Onana away from French club Lille in the summer of 2022. Since then, the player has established himself as a key figure at Goodison Park. 

Onana is not yet the complete player. There are still rough edges to his game. Mikel Arteta will recognise the need for the midfielder to improve his decision making in the final third. The Spanish coach laid a similar challenge at the feet of Declan Rice upon his arrival at the Emirates Stadium in the recent summer transfer window, and the former West Ham United man has been able to rise to that task so far this season. 

In general, though, Onana is a hugely talented player who still has the potential to improve a great deal. He would be an exciting addition to the Arsenal squad. Arteta will also know that the Gunners are due a midfield overhaul. Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny are all coming towards the end of their playing careers. Onana could form part of the new-look midfield contingent at the club.

However, Everton are still thought to want £60 million for the 9-cap Belgium international. Such a fee may well be beyond Arsenal this month, with the club looking to instead prioritise the hunt for a new striker and left-back. 

Where do Arsenal now stand on Amadou Onana deal?

Onana, though, is thought to be keen to make the switch to north London. Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Ben Jacobs said, “Everton want to keep hold of Amadou Onana, and if they are to change that stance they would expect £50million or more…We have seen links with Manchester United and Arsenal, but nothing is advanced and both sides would be unable to proceed in January at that kind of price even if they wanted to.”

“The idea that Everton will offer a cut-price deal, due to their financial situation, is inaccurate to my understanding. It might be different in the summer, but Onana is not a player Everton want – or plan – to lose mid-season. Onana is open to Arsenal in particular, but I am not aware of anything progressing at this stage.”

One man who would be keen to see the Gunners snap up Onana is Arsenal legend Ian Wright. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the former striker has previously been wowed by Onana.

It would be fascinating to see how Onana might fit into Arteta’s system at Arsenal. His physical presence and power would be a welcome addition to the squad, but he is not well-suited to either of the more advanced roles in the Gunners’ midfield trio. As such, he would need to play as the 6, protecting the back four, in the position now regularly played by Rice. Either Onana would come in as a back-up to the 25-year-old, or Rice would be moved further up the pitch on a more regular basis.