Arsenal still keen on midfielder they held 'intensive talks' about in January

Arsenal are still reportedly interested in signing Amadou Onana, after holding ‘intensive talks’ with the Everton midfielder during the January transfer window. The Gunners are expected to be active in the summer market, with a midfielder said to be high up on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist.

Onana has impressed for the Toffees ever since he penned a £33million move in the summer of 2022. A dynamic midfielder, Onana joined from French club Lille, but could be about to leave Everton, with Arsenal just one top European club rumoured to be interested.

As per Football Transfers, the north London outfit are leading the race – alongside Bayern Munich and Newcastle United – to secure Onana’s signature when the window opens this summer. It’s claimed that Arsenal have already laid the foundations for a move to the Emirates Stadium, and while Everton aren’t actively looking to sell their midfield maestro, the Merseyside outfit could be tempted by a suitable offer.

It comes after Arsenal had reportedly been in talks with Onana about the possibility of a January transfer. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri claimed that Arsenal and Everton had discussed the move, with Onana said to have been open about an Emirates Stadium switch.

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Whereas Everton boss Sean Dyche was quick to shut down the rumours. Speaking at the time, the Englishman said: “He’s been heavily linked before I was here and after. It’s just another story. He’s an Everton player so any decision that we make on players it will be us that decide.”

However, with Everton having endured another relegation-threatened season, Onana could look to secure his exit from Goodison Park this time around. He could prove to be one of several big-name arrivals at Arsenal, with Arteta and co. also said to be exploring the centre-forward market.

The Sun have reported that Arsenal could spend big on a striker this summer, with a trio of targets having already been mooted. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are two options from the continent, while Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak has also been linked to the Gunners.

Isak has been in fine form this season, but given the Magpies’ FFP concerns, Newcastle may have to sell the Swedish ace in order to raise funds. Isak has netted 19 goals in the Premier League for Newcastle this season, with the 24-year-old just two behind the division’s top scorer Erling Haaland.