Arsenal transfer news as Fabrizio Romano responds to ‘big’ claims around Everton ace Amadou Onana
Fabrizio Romano has shared what he has heard regarding the reported interest Arsenal are showing in Everton ace Amadou Onana.
Respected Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported on 8 January that Arsenal are in “intensive” talks with Everton over a deal for the midfielder.
In an update on his Daily Briefing page on Tuesday [9 January], transfer expert Romano claimed Arsenal have yet to make any sort of offer.
“I’m aware there have been some big claims being made about Arsenal intensifying negotiations to sign Amadou Onana from Everton,” Romano said.
“Of course this has some Gunners fans excited, but I’m afraid it’s not quite the information I have for the moment.
“My understanding is that Onana has always been one of the players appreciated by Arsenal but I don’t have more concrete updates than that just yet.
“Let’s see in the next days what happen, but for Arsenal it remains time to discuss internally before making concrete bids.
“We know Arsenal have issues in midfield because Thomas Partey has barely played this season due to injury.
“Onana is a fine talent who could offer something similar in midfield, but it’s still early to know what will happen with Onana, and also with Partey.”
Wait and see
This disruption is far from ideal from an Everton perspective as Onana is a key member of Sean Dyche’s squad.
It is clear why Arsenal would be interested in landing the Belgium international, but he will not come cheap.
For all the talk of Everton’s financial issues, they are not currently in a position whereby they have to sell their biggest assets on the cheap.
Onana is said to be valued in the region of £50million, and the Toffees should not accept a penny less than that – if they sell at all.
Everton are involved in a scrap to avoid relegation, which is worth far more than that £50m figure.
Going by what Romano says, a bid is not exactly close to being made, and the big fear is that Arsenal wait until close to the window closing.
If that happens and Onana does depart, the Toffees will have no time to bring in a replacement and the squad will therefore be weakened.
Everton fans would love a new signing to come in even if Onana stays, but right now the priority is on keeping the squad intact.
In other Everton news, Arsenal could be the big winners after the emergence of a £550m figure.