Arsenal are keeping tabs on one Premier League midfielder, but the approach that the Gunners are taking to striking a deal could allow Chelsea or another suitor to beat them to it.
Arsenal will want to add to their midfield contingent in this summer transfer window.
The Gunners have a busy summer ahead of them. Not only is Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his squad in a number of key areas, but sporting director Edu needs to move a number of first team stars on from the Emirates Stadium as well.
Signing a midfielder to support Declan Rice is now a priority for Arsenal, but it is unlikely that the North London club will rush into making any deals. As such, this may mean that Chelsea could have an advantage when it comes to the race to sign Amadou Onana.
Arsenal and Edu stance clear amid Amadou Onana chase
Both of the capital city clubs hold an interest in the Everton star. However, as the Toffees are under pressure to sell and generate funds before June 30th due to PSR pressures, it could come down to which suitor acts fastest when it comes to deciding where Onana will end up.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal “admire” Onana. However, whilst Everton are demanding £50 million for the Belgian star, the Gunners appear unwilling to be drawn into negotiations at this time.
The 22-year-old is a player that they have “tracked heavily and rate,” but he does not top Arsenal’s list when it comes to potential midfield recruitments. What’s more, Edu is in “no rush” to finalise deals this summer, as the Gunners are looking to adopt a “steady and strategic” approach to their business this summer.
Of course, this lack of urgency could allow Chelsea to steal a march on signing Onana, who they have been interested in for the some time, as reported by Football.London.
Arsenal must prioritise Declan Rice needs in midfielder search
As Arsenal clearly have alternative midfield targets that they prefer to Onana, they are obviously comfortable with potentially handing Chelsea an advantage in the race for his signature.
In terms of other targets in this part of the pitch, Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, amongst others.
The most important thing, though, is to ensure that they sign a midfielder who can complement Rice, and allow Arteta to make use of the England star’s versatility and attacking capabilities.