Arsenal are now showing the most interest in the transfer of Amadou Onana, amidst Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United also tracking the star Everton midfielder.
The 22-year-old has attracted suitors among the Premier League’s elite teams this season as a pivotal cog at the Toffees. Onana has remained a shining light at Goodison Park, despite Everton battling to avoid relegation for a third successive season after a 10-point deduction.
An independent commission might also now deduct further points after the Premier League charged the Blues with another breach of its profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Relegation from the top tier will likely ensure Everton have to sell key players like Onana in the summer.
Arsenal now front the queue eying Onana’s transfer from Everton
Onana would be amongst Everton’s high-profile departures if the Merseyside natives endure relegation. So, Dean Jones suggests that Arsenal are currently tracking Onana’s situation the closest amongst his suitors. Jones also says Onana is likely to leave even if Everton stay up.
Everton enter the weekend sat outside of the drop zone on goal difference to Luton Town on 20 points each. The Toffees would be 12th in the table without their initial points deduction. Sean Dyche has overseen eight wins and six draws across his Goodison outfit’s 25 matches.
Arsenal know exactly what Onana is capable of producing after he played an integral role in Dyche beating Mikel Arteta’s team 1-0 on his debut as Everton’s gaffer. Darren Bent dubbed the Belgian’s display as ‘outstanding’ in February 2023 after dictating the engine room, too.
Onana can envisage a move to Emirates Stadium with Arteta in awe
Arsenal are far from alone in considering Onana’s transfer after offering Everton two goals in 19 Premier League appearances. The Telegraph noted in January that Newcastle looked into signing the midfield anchor. But the Magpies failed to raise the funds the Toffees demanded.
Financial restrictions also prevented Arsenal from advancing for Onana’s transfer following a round of talks with Everton, per Het Nieuwsblad. The north London natives held exploratory talks as the nine-cap Belgium international’s profile charms their coach, Arteta, a great deal.
Arteta likes Onana for his strong, big and fast presence in the engine room, as well as being good with his feet. The Spaniard further feels he is the ideal reinforcement for their midfield at Emirates Stadium. But the Toffees eyed no less than €60m (£51m) to sell him in January.
Arsenal may not need to convince Onana to accept a transfer if they match Everton’s asking price this summer. Het Nieuwsblad also noted that he can envisage a move to the Gunners as the Belgian feels ready to take the next step in his career. But he has further suitors, too.
Reports by Foot Mercato in December suggested that FC Barcelona and Manchester United were also looking into signing Onana. The Catalan club even spoke with his representatives about a move to La Liga. But Everton’s asking price ultimately ruled Barcelona out of a deal.
While Everton midfielder Onana has also attracted long-standing interest from Chelsea, per TEAMtalk. The Stamford Bridge side explored his signature last summer and studied a fresh approach in January. But the Blues only looked to move if Conor Gallagher left west London.
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