According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Amadou Onana from Everton managed by Sean Dyche. Jacobs has reported that Onana is willing to move to Arsenal during the January transfer window. However, Everton is not interested in selling Onana and would demand at least £50 million for a player they signed for £33 million. Neither Manchester United nor Arsenal can afford that amount, but Onana’s willingness to move to Arsenal during the mid-season could improve their chances. While Football Transfers reported last week that Onana is a significant target for United, a deal is unlikely until the summer of 2024. The Daily Mail also reported last month that Arsenal is interested in the 22-year-old Belgian defensive midfielder, who has been compared to Gunners legend Patrick Vieira. Jacobs stated that Everton does not plan to lose Onana mid-season and is not offering any cut-price deals due to their financial situation. However, Onana’s openness to joining Arsenal is a positive sign for the Gunners.
I understand that it is unlikely for Onana to transfer in January as Everton is at risk of being relegated to the Championship and would not want to lose the midfielder in the middle of the season. However, Onana’s desire to join Arsenal could benefit the North London club in future negotiations in 2024.
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Aston Villa has shown interest in Arsenal’s attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe. Crook suggests that Arsenal may need to sell some players, such as Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey, to make room for new signings. Crook also notes that Arsenal has an interest in Douglas Luiz, but Villa is not willing to let him go as they are competing for a top-four position.
