Arsenal are currently in “intensive talks” to sign Everton’s Amadou Onana, who is understood to be “keen on the move” to North London, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
Arsenal Enters ‘Intensive Talks’ for Amadou Onana
🇧🇪 Talks intensive currently ongoing between #EvertonFC & #ArsenalFC for Amadou Onana. The Belgian midfielder’s – who has always put his priority to stay in Premier League – keen on the move.
Things could develop quickly…
⏳ Wait&See! #EFC #PL #mercato pic.twitter.com/8K7IHHT1g2— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) January 8, 2024
Amadou Onana ‘Keen on the Move’ But Vital to Sean Dyche’s Everton Side
Reports suggest that the Toffees hope to get £60 million in a deal for the young Belgian midfielder, with a large pool of funds required for the club to replace Onana. Sean Dyche’s side are currently 17th in the table and enduring a disappointing run of results after some early excitement following their hot form off the back of a 10-point deduction for breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
The young defensive midfielder has been with the Toffees since 2022 when he joined from Ligue 1 side Lille in a £33 million deal. and has been a key part of Sean Dyche’s side. Born in Senegal, the midfielder chose to represent the Belgian national team and has featured in nine matches for the Red Devils.
Everton are currently 17th in the table and enduring a disappointing run of results after some early excitement following their hot form off the back of a 10-point deduction for breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. It is uncertain whether they will be able to hold on to the young star until the summer, or whether they may be forced to sell despite his vital role in the team.
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Why Arsenal Are Targeting Midfield Move
Arsenal have slipped to fourth despite taking an early lead in the title charge, with recent losses to Fulham, West Ham and Aston Villa causing concerns for the Reds. While Mikel Arteta’s midfield boasts Martin Odegaard and summer signing Declan Rice, the frequent unavailability of Thomas Partey has left the Spanish manager reliant on the performances of Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard.
A move to improve the midfield could help Arsenal exert more control in matches, while also improving their defensive work against top sides such as Liverpool and Manchester City, who consistently generate chances against other elite opposition.
Onana has become a key part of the Everton midfield as a result of his consistent defensive output, he averages 2.47 completed tackles per match, along with 2.5 won aerial duels, among the highest of his peers in the league. His pace and strength are often utilised to break out of deep defensive positions and to help transition towards attacks.
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Why Everton Could Be Forced to Sell Amadou Onana
While Everton would surely prefer to keep their star midfielder, financial considerations could force a deal with Arsenal. The club’s finances have been hamstrung by plans to build a new and modern stadium, as well as the sanctioning of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. Doubts over their future in the Premier League and finances at the club could compel staff at the club to approve the move at the right price.
Investors in the Merseyside club, 777 Partners, are currently awaiting Premier League approval for their takeover of the club. The acquisition has stalled however, with delays to the deal caused by 777’s failure to declare audited financial statements to the Financial Conduct Authority, which must approve the transaction before it can be ratified.
In the meantime, their prospective owners have injected a further £40 million of capital to help fund the construction of the new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, according to The Athletic. Whether they can prevent the financial challenges at the club from forcing key sales at such a pivotal moment in the club’s history, is yet to be seen. Everton have never been relegated from the English top division and are at risk of falling down the football pyramid for the first time ever.
