Arsenal are targeting several midfielders this summer as Mikel Arteta aims to add the final piece of the puzzle to his squad.
In Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, Arteta has two of the best midfielders in the world at his disposal, but the key is now adding a third option who can complement them both.
A number of players have been linked, with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad greatly admired by Arteta, whilst Brazilian pair Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz are both on the radar.
There have also been links with Everton star Amadou Onana, and with the Toffees needing to sell to comply with financial fair play rules, the Belgian could be available this summer.
Arsenal make contact over Amadou Onana availability
Fabrizio Romano has now told GiveMeSport that Arsenal have made a tentative enquiry for Onana, with the midfielder of some interest to Arteta.
“[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,” Romano stated.
“I think Arsenal has several names in that list for the midfield. Onana is appreciated by many, many clubs in England.”
Ian Wright previously endorsed Arsenal move for Onana
Onana has been impressive since he joined Everton in 2022, and a reported £45m price tag means he is certainly available with a lower price tag than some of Arsenal’s other targets.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is a huge fan of the midfielder, and he predicted that top clubs would be interested in Onana as early as January 2023.
“Onana looks like a very good signing,” Wright stated at the time.
“Somebody will probably cherry-pick him out of there with the way it’s going because he looks like a very capable player.”
It remains to be seen if Arsenal’s interest will develop beyond their tentative enquiry, and Onana, who has been described as a physical “monster,” may be viewed as a backup target if the likes of Zubimendi or Joao Neves are unattainable.
Arsenal’s interest in a midfielder would be contingent on Thomas Partey departing after another season of injury struggles, but it is arguable that Onana is not much of an upgrade on the veteran.
Arteta may be keen on adding a midfielder who can play alongside Rice and Odegaard for the long-term, and whilst Onana would add instant quality, he may not be the level-raiser Arsenal desire in the middle of the park.