Everton: Journalist shares whether Amadou Onana likely to make January exit, Arsenal drawing up reports
The chances of Amadou Onana leaving Everton in the January transfer window are “slim”, according to Dean Jones.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on Tuesday (26 December), the former Eurosport journalist said he believes there will be “some potential” for a transfer at the end of the season, with Manchester United and Arsenal linked with a move for the 22-year-old midfielder.
But despite revealing that the Gunners have been drawing up reports on how the Belgian international would fit into their side, Jones added that he has “major reservations” as to whether the North London club would spend the bulk of their transfer pot on improving their midfield.
“A few Everton fans probably wanted to drive Onana to another club when he missed that penalty against Fulham in such miserable fashion but at the moment, as a club, they want to keep hold of him,” said Jones.
“At the end of the season, I do think there will be some potential for a transfer but when we directly assess his chances of joining Man United or Arsenal in January, the likelihood is slim.
“Of the two I would say Arsenal would be more realistic though, given they are having a genuine look at this area of the field and have been drawing up reports on how he would fit into their set-up.
“But I have major reservations on how much Arsenal can invest and if the bulk of any transfer pot would be spent on the midfield.”
Money talks
It’s hard to imagine Arsenal forking out a significant amount on another midfielder in January after they spent a reported £105million on signing Declan Rice from West Ham over the summer.
It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see Man United go back in for him, though, as they will probably be looking to strengthen in a few areas in the transfer window.
Although Onana seems pretty happy at Everton at the moment in time, money talks and the appeal of Champions League football with the Gunners is a tempting proposition if they are interested in signing him.
The Toffees’ difficult financial situation does open up the possibility of someone looking to take advantage of their off-field woes next month, but it will depend on how much the club needs the cash.
The Belgian will be expected to continue doing his absolute best for the Blues until the day he potentially leaves Merseyside comes around as Sean Dyche looks to continue helping his side improve.
In other Everton news, Dyche has revealed what he told Andre Gomes about his future at Goodison Park.