Arsenal may step away from their chase of Amadou Onana owing to financial ‘limitations’ during the current window.
According to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Arsenal cannot afford to sign Amadou Onana from Everton in this window. Both the Gunners and the player had been keen on a move, but financial ‘limitations’ prevent a move from materialising, meaning the 22-year-old will stay at Everton.
Are Arsenal out of the race for Amadou Onana?
Mikel Arteta spent around £200 million in the summer window to visibly improve his Arsenal squad, but on paper, they are still three or four players short of a complete squad. Among those, the Gunners boss seeks a new holding midfielder to partner Declan Rice and had earmarked Amadou Onana for that role.
With Everton in financial disarray following a 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability rules, they could be in for another punishment for a repeat offence. Many clubs are eyeing this as a chance to pounce on a few of their notable players like Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Some reports claimed Onana could leave Everton amid interest from top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United. Many outlets positioned the Gunners as the favourites to sign the Belgian, but they have financial ‘limitations’ to broker a deal this month.
Despite Onana being open to a move to Arsenal, the north Londoners are not expected to make a move this month. The Gunners are dealing with FFP problems and could have been on the edge of their limits while entering the January window. Hence, they are ready to abandon a move for the 22-year-old Belgian now and probably rekindle their interest in the summer.
Could Arsenal return for Amadou Onana in the summer?
There are chances the Gunners might return for the 22-year-old Everton star in the summer, but they might have other options to consider during that period. For instance, Arsenal are reportedly ready to trigger Martin Zubimendi’s release clause after the season, which could make for an exciting choice.
Everton’s asking price around the summer window will also matter greatly, as the Gunners will not look to splash big on another midfielder. They will have eyes for a top-draw striker then, which, in this market, would seem like an expensive acquisition.
Hence, the chances of the Gunners returning for Onana will depend on many factors, especially the availability of priority targets and Everton’s price tag. It’s not to discourage a future move to the Emirates, but things will also depend on his performances for the Toffees between now and June.
