£33m star now reveals why he rejected chance to join Arsenal in summer

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Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has now opened up about why he turned down the chance to join Arsenal.

Arsenal were interested in signing Amadou Onana in the recent summer transfer window, as reported by Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad.

However, nothing ultimately came of the Gunners’ apparent interest, and Onana opted to remain at Goodison Park.

The 22-year-old midfielder has now discussed his decision to ignore Arsenal’s advances and stay on Merseyside. As quoted by Transfermarkt, Onana said, “clubs came knocking, but I wanted to stay to develop further and become a top player at Everton, perhaps the best.”

Onana is a key figure at Everton. He quickly established himself as a regular starter for the Toffees, following his £33 million arrival from Lille in the summer of 2022. So far this season, the nine-cap Belgium international has started eleven out of Everton’s twelve Premier League matches.

Onana would have been an interesting addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. He is a powerful presence in the middle of the park, technically secure, and able to make his presence felt at both ends of the pitch.

Amadou Onana misses chance to be part of Arsenal midfield rebuild

The Arsenal midfield is due something of an overhaul, even with the recent signing of Declan Rice taken into account.

Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are both in the latter stages of their careers, and the time has come for Arsenal to move on from Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian’s fitness issues mean that Arteta simply can’t rely on him to be fit and available when required.

All three players will need to be replaced in the near future. Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino may well have been earmarked for a place in the new-look midfield contingent to come. However, there will also need to be players brought into the club via the transfer market.

Onana would have been an exciting addition to the Arsenal roster with this midfield rebuild project in mind. However, he deserves credit for wanting to stay at a club where he is likely to play week in, week out, at this early stage in his career.