Arsenal deal for £33m star compared to Patrick Vieira could now ‘develop quickly’

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It has now emerged that Arsenal are in talks for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana ahead of a possible January deal.

Arsenal have won just one of their last seven games, with yesterday’s defeat to Liverpool eliminating them from the FA Cup, and reinforcements are necessary to help Mikel Arteta’s side recover their form.

The Gunners have been linked with Onana in recent months, as well as Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but amid financial fair play struggles and increasing desperation for a goalscorer, it seemed that signing a midfielder fell down in the list of priorities.

However, Arsenal are now in talks with Everton over the 22-year-old, and it appears a deal could happen in the coming weeks.

Arsenal are in talks for Amadou Onana

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has now revealed that Arsenal are in intensive talks over Onana and that the player is keen on the move.

“Talks intensive currently ongoing between Everton and Arsenal for Amadou Onana,” he posted on X.

“The Belgian midfielder – who has always put his priority to stay in Premier League – keen on the move. Things could develop quickly…”

Onana joined Everton for £33m last season, and has been outstanding since, but with the Toffees suffering a 10-point deduction for breaking financial sustainability rules, a sale could help boost their own funds as they bid to escape the new threat of relegation.

Would Onana be a good signing for Arsenal?

Kai Havertz has struggled to progress the ball when playing in a midfield role, and the loss of Granit Xhaka has hurt Arsenal both defensively and going forward.

For now, Arteta should continue with Jorginho in midfield after his strong display against Liverpool, which also allowed Declan Rice to push further forward, but Onana could be the ideal option to help facilitate this.

Onana has been compared to Patrick Vieira by former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, and he would excel at the base of midfield given his excellent physical strength, whilst he may also have the potential to deliver strong performances on the ball.

By strengthening the midfield, Arsenal may see their attacking displays improve. If Arsenal can progress the ball quicker, whilst also sustaining pressure higher up the pitch, they may be able to create better quality scoring chances, and Onana could be the key to this.

If he is to join, it would almost certainly mean there is a departure, and it seems likely that Onana is being viewed as the successor to Thomas Partey, who has struggled with injury all season.