Arsenal have reportedly been in contact with Everton to discuss a move for Amadou Onana, with Manchester United and Chelsea also keen.
According to Fabrizio Romano on Give Me Sport, Arsenal have contacted Everton to discuss a deal for Amadou Onana. Mikel Arteta likes the Belgian midfielder for his squad ahead of the new season, although there’s plenty of competition from Manchester United and Chelsea, among others.
Arsenal in contact for Amadou Onana
Arsenal are not in the market to sign players in bulk, as Mikel Arteta has his plans drawn out to make specific signings to strengthen the team further. While the centre-forward area is much talked about, the Spaniard really wants a top-draw midfield partner for Declan Rice in this window.
A host of options, including Douglas Luiz and Martin Zubimendi, have been mentioned for a long time; they are also looking at Everton’s Amadou Onana. The Belgian, who joined the Toffees in a £33 million deal two years ago, is ready to make a step up in his career and join a team that challenges at the very top.
The Gunners are looking at a profile that can replace Thomas Partey, who might leave, as Onana might fit into the requirement perfectly. The Belgian has defensive qualities that could allow Rice to flourish in his renewed left-eight role while also providing security to their backline.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the interest is not something very concrete at this stage, but Arsenal have indeed made contact with Everton to understand a move. The Toffees are ready to cash in and looking to make a grand profit, with reports suggesting they are demanding £60 million or more for the Belgian midfield powerhouse, who cost them £33 million.
Romano said, “[It is] not something really concrete at this point. They had some contact, yes, in terms of being informed on the players’ situation, but it’s not the proper negotiation to the club yet. I think Arsenal has several names in that list for the midfield. Onana is appreciated by many, many clubs in England.”
Arsenal face competition for Onana
Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on signing a physically-imposing midfielder to shore up their ranks. AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana remains a target, and compared to Onana, the Frenchman is a relatively cheap option financially.
Chelsea are also understood to be chasing Onana, although they have the likes of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo for the defensive midfield role. Hence, while the Blues admire the Belgian, they might not prioritise a move, and should Arsenal seriously consider a move, they will get to the front of the seat.
