Arsenal are likely to be busy in the summer transfer window as Edu and Mikel Arteta look to bolster their ranks.
The Gunners have improved with each passing season since Mikel Arteta took the reins. They’ve been in the Premier League title picture for two years in a row now.
However, Arsenal sadly fell just short last term, and they will be eager to make the necessary additions to ensure they can go all the way in 2024/25.
The north Londoners could do with bolstering their midfield ranks amid uncertain futures for the likes of Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Now, Arsenal expert Charles Watts has spoken out about an “absolutely exceptional” midfielder said to be on the Gunners’ radar.
Arsenal keen on Everton star Amadou Onana
The player in question is Amadou Onana, who has gone from strength to strength for Everton in recent years.
Watts, writing on CaughtOffside, spoke about Arsenal’s long-term interest in the Belgium international and how he could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.
“Amadou Onana is a player who has consistently been linked with Arsenal over the past 12 months,” said Watts.
“There were strong reports in January that talks were at an advanced stage, although I was always told that wasn’t the case and that nothing was close to happening at that stage.
“Whether that changes this summer remains to be seen, but it may be one to keep an eye on.”
The Arsenal-leaning journalist also explained how Onana impressed him the first time he saw the player in action, but also claimed that he’s not particularly consistent.
“I’ll always remember his performance against Arsenal at Goodison last year,” continued Watts. “It was Sean Dyche’s first game in charge of Everton and Onana was absolutely exceptional.
“It was one of the best midfield performances I’ve seen from a player. I was sitting in the press box at Goodison watching him thinking ‘this guy is incredible’.
“He was absolutely everywhere. He was strong, physical, he was running box to box, winning tackles and driving Everton forward.
“The thing with Onana, when you talk to people who watch him week in, week out, is that those types of performances are few and far between.”
Watts also claimed that a price tag of around £50million is being mentioned, which could be appealing to clubs given his age and profile.
As well as Arsenal, Tottenham are said to be in pursuit of Onana, according to journalist Ignazio Geruardi.
Who is Arsenal target Amadou Onana?
Onana has made a name for himself as one of the Premier League’s best young players, and he would be an amazing acquisition for the likes of Arsenal.
He is an incredibly talented player who stands 6 feet 4 inches tall, is rapid and at just 22 years of age, he is still some way off his prime.
Scouting outlet Breaking the Lines wrote in 2023: ‘Onana is a rangy midfielder who uses his frame to sweep the ball away from opponents just when they think they’ve broken free.
‘At 6’4, he’s an imposing presence, and his power and athleticism allow him to cover almost every blade of grass.’
Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying about Onana in 2022: “He is one of the most talented young players in Europe.”
All in all, Onana looks like he’d be a great signing for Arsenal, and Everton may well be open to selling due to profit and sustainability rules.