Amadou Onana prepared to leave Everton in face of ‘really concrete’ January transfer push from Arsenal, bid on the cards
Amadou Onana is now “open” to moving a “step higher” as interest heats up around the Everton midfielder, with a bid now under consideration at Arsenal, according to Nieuwsblad.
The Belgian outlet reported via their website’s live-blog on 8 January that the Toffees star is “highly sought after” this month, with the Gunners showing “really concrete” interest.
A concerted push from the Emirates to sign the 22-year-old during the January transfer window is planned with a bid now being discussed after talks between the clubs.
While “several clubs” are said to have Onana high on their list of targets there is contact between Everton and Arsenal over a possible deal, with the Toffees reportedly looking for at least €60million [£51.6m], and Onana reportedly prepared to make the move.
Getting serious
With the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona also chasing Onana it looks like the Belgian’s future will be one of the main features of the Everton transfer window.
But while there has been regular interest and speculation around the former Lille man for a year now the Arsenal situation appears to be developing relatively quickly.
Everton let a big-money asset leave 12 months ago as Sean Dyche saw Anthony Gordon sold to Newcastle just a day before he was confirmed as the new boss on Merseyside.
But having turned things around at the club to a great extent, prior to the recent run of defeats with Abdoulaye Doucouré out injured, he is bound to be loath to see a repeat this season.
Since the Toffees man is certain to be expensive if and when he does leave it likely remains a valid question as to who can actually afford him mid-campaign, especially after Arsenal spent £105m on Declan Rice in the summer [Sky Sports, 17 July].
He seems unlikely to push for an exit from Goodison Park this month given he has been linked to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea in previous windows and stayed, even if he would be willing to play under Mikel Arteta.
So unless the Gunners, or any other interested party, follow through with a hefty bid this may be a move that proves impossible in January.
In other Everton news, Alan Myers has shared an update that strongly suggests a player’s next move this month has been decided.