Arsenal transfer update as Edu now warned of ‘tough’ asking price for Amadou Onana

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Arsenal are interested in Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, but a deal looks almost impossible in this window.

Everton would be open to a sale given their financial situation, but they would still ask for a hefty fee for Onana, and Arsenal are struggling with financial fair play rules themselves.

Onana is of interest as Mikel Arteta aims to fix his midfield, as Kai Havertz has disappointed when it comes to ball progression.

However, a deal to sign him would cost in excess of £50m, and unless there are sales, it seems highly unlikely that Edu Gaspar would be able to pull off such a move.

Ben Jacobs explains why Amadou Onana Arsenal transfer is difficult

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now given an update on Arsenal’s chances of signing Onana, and has claimed that Arsenal are still expected to have a quiet window.

“I think it will be tough. Everton would still expect £50m+. Remember, they paid £33m. Expectation is Arsenal will have a quiet window and I am told they haven’t advanced anything with Onana to date,” he posted on X when asked about Arsenal’s chances of signing Onana.

Reports from Belgium recently claimed that Arsenal were in talks for the midfielder, but it now seems that, barring a shock sale, Onana will not be moving to the Emirates this month.

Do Arsenal need Amadou Onana in January?

Thomas Partey appears set to return soon in what is a massive boost for Mikel Arteta, and he could help solve Arsenal’s midfield conundrum.

Arsenal are also struggling for goals and are short of depth at the back, meaning that if they are able to fund one January move, these areas should perhaps be prioritised.

Onana would only be possible if a big sale is made, and a possible departure for Partey could open the door for his arrival. However, Juventus have seemingly dropped their interest as a result of his injury issues.

The 22-year-old would add steel and technical quality to the Arsenal midfield, and could allow Declan Rice to play further forward.

This is a deal that Arsenal could revisit in the summer window, but given his potential price and the club’s finances right now, they may have to accept that he is out of Arteta’s reach, and find an internal solution to their midfield problems.

Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira could all be options to replace Havertz in midfield, and Jorginho is also a player who has impressed in the middle of the park in recent months.