Arsenal have received a big boost in their hopes of signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this summer, after being heavily linked in the January window.
The 22-year-old has been a key player for the Toffees since joining the club from Lille back in the summer of 2022. Last season saw him make 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring three times.
football.london understands that Arsenal explored a possible deal for Onana back in the January transfer window. There were also reports of ‘intensive’ talks between the two clubs over a possible deal.
It seems that talks could now re-open, with Everton’s stance ahead of the summer transfer window outlined. According to HITC, Onana is one of Everton’s valuable assets that they are willing to part with in the summer with the Toffees demanding a fee of more than £50 million.
The club have some financial worries amid uncertainty over a takeover, meaning that they may be forced into sales this summer. It is said that Onana is one of the players that they could let go.
If the midfielder does arrive at Arsenal, then it could be a big boost for Declan Rice. Onana’s position means that he would be able to play a deeper role, therefore allowing Rice to push further up the pitch and allowing him to have more impact in attacking areas.
Speaking back in March, Rice highlighted how he is improving his attacking game after being asked to play in a more advanced role under Mikel Arteta.
“The way Mikel wants his six to play is completely different to his eight,” he said. “At times when I have been playing recently, I have been highest up the pitch, which is unnatural to me but I am learning.
“My strongest position is six – I’ve built my career on that – but when Mikel says he wants to me to play eight I am excited to get up the pitch, score goals and drive with the ball. Luckily, I can play both, but there are still areas of improvement in both.”
Arteta will be keen to add to his squad over the summer window as the club look to push for the Premier League title again in the 2024/25 season.
