Jamie Carragher has now admitted that he’s really not convinced by one midfielder who’s recently been linked with a move to Arsenal.
If this season hasn’t already been tricky enough, Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar seem to have a big task on their hands this summer.
As a result of the club’s excellent form and their upward trajectory, several players have been left on the periphery of things.
Perhaps Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale are the best examples, players who once looked crucial to Arsenal’s future, but rarely play any minutes.
It seems safe to say that several players will leave north London, but that of course means new profiles will arrive too.
And since Arsenal’s interest has cooled in Ivan Toney and perhaps even in a new number nine altogether, the focus seems to have moved.
Arsenal may prioritise a midfield signing, someone who can play alongside Declan Rice on a regular basis.
And to that end, Arsenal have often been linked with Everton’s Amadou Onana in the last year.
Jamie Carragher isn’t convinced by Amadou Onana after links to a top club like Arsenal
And whilst Amadou Onana is often celebrated as a big talent across the Premier League, Jamie Carragher has now admitted his doubts.
The pundit was speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football during Chelsea’s 6-0 win over Everton.
And although he thought Everton may end up selling Onana because of their financial situation, Carragher wasn’t convinced the £50m-rated midfielder would be a good signing for a club like Arsenal.
He explained: “I must say this, Onana is a player who Everton may have to sell in the summer, with the situation they find themselves in financially.
“He came in with a huge reputation, Frank Lampard brought him in, he looks the part, did really well for Belgium at Wembley and there is talk of him going to other bigger clubs.
“But I don’t see it. Ever since he has been there, I don’t know what he is. I don’t know if he’s a holding midfield player. Does he get forward? Does he get involved?
“The only thing I see him do is see him try and lift the crowd, that’s all I ever see him do when he plays for Everton so this has been going on far too long.”
Arsenal would be much better off signing a player like Joao Neves
It seems there are merits to Jamie Carragher’s words, especially given that the Arsenal linked midfielder is often left out of Sean Dyche’s team too.
Arsenal would be much better off signing a player like Benfica’s Joao Neves, or Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, a player who can sit in the pivot and progress play.
Essentially, Arsenal need a player like Jorginho who also has the physical attributes to match.
It will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta and his team approach the window, one that will be crucial to continuing their upwards curve.
All that being said, it seems Arsenal would actually be willing to sell a player Arteta said had ‘enormous talent’.
The post 'I don't see it': Jamie Carragher says he's got big doubts about £50m player Arsenal reportedly want to sign appeared first on TBR Football.