One Premier League club’s summer plan for an Arsenal transfer target has now been revealed.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his midfield options at Arsenal.
Although Arsenal have offered Jorginho a new contract, and Thomas Partey has now come back into the team, there is still work to be done in that part of the pitch in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Jorginho is in the twilight years of his career, and Arteta can’t rely on him to cope with playing week in, week out. Meanwhile, Partey’s injury record also means that he can’t be depended upon to be available to play on a regular basis.
Martin Odegaard is a nailed-on starter for the Gunners, as is Declan Rice who once again shone in Saturday’s win over Bournemouth. However, this duo require more support. As such, Arsenal are eyeing up a move for Everton ace Amadou Onana.
The Belgian would bring extra physicality and energy to Arsenal’s midfield unit and, crucially, looks likely to be available this summer.
Arsenal now know Everton’s plan for Amadou Onana
According to The Sun, Everton are now planning for life without the 22-year-old. This report states that Everton: “Hope to sell Amadou Onana overseas for big money to balance their books, possibly picking up a fee in excess of £50 million.”
The Toffees need to make sacrifices this summer to improve their financial situation, and would therefore be willing to cash-in on Onana.
Clearly, they would rather sell him abroad than strengthen a Premier League rival, but if they are serious about bringing the midfielder to the Emirates Stadium then Arsenal could likely offer a more attractive financial package to the Merseyside outfit than any interested continental club could table.
Why Arsenal want Amadou Onana
Onana would be an interesting addition to Arteta’s ranks. He is a powerful runner, reads the game well, and has excellent physical attributes. There are still rough edges in his game, and he needs to show that he can be more influential in opposition territory, but he is undeniably a huge talent with his best years almost certainly still ahead of him.
If he were to come to Arsenal, the 11-cap Belgium international would learn plenty from Partey and Jorginho. Jorginho is already enjoying a role as a mentor at Arsenal. Onana would also offer proven and reliable cover for Rice.
Arsenal sporting director Edu may now be plotting to test Everton’s resolve when it comes to selling Onana to a foreign club.