Arsenal Open Talks With the Representatives of Everton's Amadou Onana

Arsenal are keeping their tabs open for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, as per reports in Belgium. The Gunners have initiated talks with the defensive midfielder over a transfer in the summer window and are in constant contact with the player’s representatives.

Everton signed Amadou Onana from LOSC Lille in 2022 on a 5-year contract. He has been an instrumental player for the Merseyside club, especially in the major results that they have scraped this season. Despite having moved to Goodison Park less than a year ago, a big-money move looks imminent for the 21-year-old midfielder.

Meanwhile, Thomas Partey has been exceptional for the Gunners this season but, he has no significant competition in the squad. Jorginho’s signing has not turned out the way it was expected to and it is almost impossible to leave the Ghanaian out of the starting lineup. Arteta needs another defensive midfielder to reduce the over-reliance on Partey.

According to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad (via Metro), Arsenal have reignited their interest in Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. The North London side have made contact with the player’s camp ahead of the summer window and are in regular contact with the representatives over a potential move.

The Gunners tried to sign the Belgian international in the January transfer window but decided against it. Instead, they opted to sign Jorginho from Chelsea for £12m. However, this move didn’t produce the desired result and therefore, Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Amadou Onana.

🚨 Fabrizio Romano addresses Arsenal's interest in Amadou Onana

🗣️ Romano on Arsenal and Onana: "Arsenal have different names in the list at this stage… I think his price tag would be close to £55-60m." pic.twitter.com/63P3waMwT4

— @gunnerscommunity (@gunnerscommuni2) April 7, 2023

Meanwhile, Everton are open to selling the 21-year-old at the end of the season, but are looking to extract a hefty transfer fee and make a big profit, having signed the midfielder for only €35m. The Toffees are holding out for a fee of €70m (£61.3m) as the player still has 4 more years left on his contract.

However, the Gunners will have to compete with Chelsea for his signature this summer. The Blues had tried signing him in January, but the Belgian rejected the chance to move to Stamford Bridge as he was committed to helping the Merseysiders fight the relegation battle.

Do Arsenal Need To Sign Amadou Onana?

Amadou Onana put in a Man of the Match display against Arsenal at Goodison Park in February. The Merseyside club handed the Gunners only their second league defeat at that time this season. He ran the midfield show, winning the ball and also leading the counter-attacks with his teammates. Arsenal may have some regrets about missing out on signing the defensive midfielder in January.

The Belgian makes 2.1 tackles, 1 interception, clears the ball 1.1 times and gets dribbled past only 0.4 times per game (stats via whoscored). These are very good statistics considering he is playing at a relegation-threatened team. He could improve even more if Mikel Arteta starts managing him and puts him in a better squad.

Onana uses his physicality to his advantage to win ground duels as well as aerial duels. He takes an aggressive approach while defending. This approach could prove to be decisive in knockout matches where a lot of energy is required.

Amadou Onana could repeat the mighty displays in an Arsenal shirt on a Champions League night next season. The thought of playing in the premier European competition may lure the player to the Emirates Stadium, along with the strong possibility of Everton getting relegated.

On the other hand, Chelsea’s disaster season does not guarantee European football for next season, which puts them at a disadvantage. Moreover, the 21-year-old will also provide the much-needed cover for Thomas Partey so that the Ghanaian could be ready to face the tougher challenges.

Follow AD for the Latest Transfer Updates for Arsenal.