Arsenal Eyes Amadou Onana in Potential £50M Transfer Deal
Overview of Onana’s Career and Current Status
Arsenal has begun negotiations with Everton about acquiring Amadou Onana, with Everton indicating a willingness to accept a £50 million bid, according to the Liverpool Echo. Onana, a 22-year-old midfielder, has been a standout performer since his £33 million move from LOSC Lille to Everton in 2022. He has swiftly established himself as a key player for the team, making 72 appearances and featuring in 63 out of 76 Premier League games since joining the club.
Currently, Onana is representing Belgium in the European Championships. He is anticipated to play a crucial role for the Belgian national team, particularly in their opening match against Slovakia at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. Despite having only 13 international caps, Onana has consistently featured in Belgium’s recent friendlies, starting in games against Montenegro and Luxembourg. Strong performances in the tournament could further bolster his market value.
Arsenal’s Interest and Everton’s Financial Constraints
Arsenal has had a longstanding interest in Onana and has now reached out to Everton to explore the possibility of a deal. The Liverpool Echo’s report highlights Everton’s readiness to sell Onana for £50 million. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, in his daily briefing, indicates that while there have been no formal negotiations yet, Everton is anticipating bids for Onana, especially from Arsenal.
Everton’s financial situation adds a layer of complexity to the potential transfer. The club faced an eight-point deduction last season for breaching Profitability and Sustainability regulations, narrowly avoiding a 12-point penalty due to an appeal. This financial pressure might compel Everton to offload key players, with Onana and defender Jarrad Branthwaite among those potentially available for transfer.
Strategic Fit for Arsenal
For Arsenal, bolstering the midfield is a top priority for manager Mikel Arteta this summer. Mohamed Elneny’s contract is set to expire, and Albert Sambi Lokonga has expressed his desire to leave. Additionally, Thomas Partey’s inconsistent performances and injury woes, limiting him to just ten starts last season, make him a candidate for transfer if offers materialize, particularly from Saudi clubs.
This scenario leaves Arsenal with Declan Rice and the 32-year-old Jorginho, who, despite signing a contract extension, may not be suitable as a regular starter given his age. Consequently, Arsenal is in dire need of at least one, if not two, midfield reinforcements. Onana, with his robust physical presence and reliability, emerges as a promising candidate to replace Partey. Furthermore, Everton’s financial struggles could make Onana a relatively affordable option.
Arsenal’s Recent Transfer Strategy
In recent years, Arsenal has shown a willingness to acquire players from within the Premier League, a strategy they had previously avoided for over a decade. The club’s notable signings include David Raya, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz, as well as Jorginho, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Benjamin White, and Aaron Ramsdale. Adding Onana to this list would align with Arsenal’s current approach to building a competitive squad.
As Arsenal continues to strengthen their midfield, Onana appears to be a viable and strategic addition. His potential transfer could be a key move in Arsenal’s quest for domestic and European success in the coming seasons.
