Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are reportedly in talks to sign Amadou Onana, a target for Arsenal and Barcelona.
According to a report by Belgian outlet Voetbalkrant, Amadou Onana is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues have initiated negotiations to sign the Everton midfielder, valued at around €60 million. Meanwhile, the Belgian international is also a target for Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Rise of Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana was already among the most highly-rated young midfield prospects in Europe before joining Everton. The 22-year-old rose in prominence during his stint with LOSC Lille, with many well-known clubs setting their sights on him. But Everton beat those outfits to his signature in August 2022.
The Belgian international has come leaps and bounds in the last 18 months, going from strength to strength at Goodison Park. He has turned out over 50 times thus far for Everton, chipping in with three goals and three assists. Meanwhile, Onana’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona.
A Man in Demand
Chelsea’s interest in Amadou Onana is surprising. While the Blues have blown hot and cold this season, they have a stacked midfield unit after signing multiple midfielders in 2023. So, it does not make sense for Chelsea to invest in another midfielder this summer. But they have already opened talks to sign the youngster, who will cost around €60 million.
As for Arsenal, they will likely part ways with Thomas Partey in the summer transfer window. The Ghanaian international has been a solid performer for the North London club but has become a liability due to his fitness issues. So, it makes sense for Arsenal to sell him and replace him, with Onana emerging as a viable target.
Meanwhile, Amadou Onana is also a top target for Barcelona. The Catalan giants are in the market for a holding midfielder, bringing the Everton mainstay into the picture. But the never-ending financial struggles mean Barcelona will struggle to pay €60 million to sign him.
That leaves Arsenal and Chelsea as the front-runners to sign the Belgian international. The two London clubs can afford to shell out €60 million to secure his services. But it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can somehow throw a spanner in the works.
