Liverpool are reportedly set to rival Arsenal and West Ham United in the race to sign Lille starlet Amadou Onana this summer.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in the services of Amadou Onana. The Reds are considered one of the “strongest” admirers for the defensive midfielder, who has become a sought-after prospect in the market this summer.
Apart from Liverpool, West Ham and Arsenal are also involved in the pursuit of Onana. The Hammers have already made a couple of bids for the LOSC Lille midfielder, who has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since joining the club last summer.
During his maiden season in Ligue 1, the 20-year-old racked up 32 league appearances. Although he was far from a regular starter, the youngster made quite an impression with his combative nature in midfield coupled with his technical prowess and work ethic in the middle of the park.
It has made him an appealing target for a Liverpool side looking for long-term replacements for the ageing Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho. It is well-established that the Reds may go after Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham in 2023, but they are open to finding low-cost alternatives in the market.
Arsenal, meanwhile, simply do not have enough quality in midfield. Thomas Partey has struggled to live up to expectations since his move from Atletico Madrid, whereas there are question marks over the future of Granit Xhaka. The Gunners did bring in Fabio Vieira from FC Porto this summer, but the Portuguese international might not be enough to get the job done.
As for West Ham, they are likely to keep hold of Declan Rice in the summer. But there is a feeling the English international might not stick for too long, thus accentuating the need for a young number six, who can fill in his shoes in the years to come.
Amadou Onana could prove to be most logical option, not just for West Ham but for Arsenal and Liverpool as well. However, with Lille rejecting West Ham’s two bids so far this summer, it appears unlikely Les Dogues have any intention to part ways with their midfield prodigy this summer, especially having just signed him last year.
