ARSENAL have allegedly opened talks with Everton over a move for Amadou Onana – but they must sell before they can buy.
The Belgian 22-year-old headed to Goodison Park from Lille for £33.5million after snubbing West Ham back in August 2022.
Onana was an instant hit and quickly became a key player, firstly under Frank Lampard, and is an integral part of the Toffees team under Sean Dyche.
The ace has made 16 Premier League appearances so far in the Premier League this term, scoring once, and has been linked with a host of clubs.
Back in the summer it was Chelsea who were believed to be chasing his services while Manchester United are also said to be keen.
Everton managed to hang on to Onana, but now they look set to face a fresh fight to keep the star as Arsenal plot a swoop.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri claimed this week that “intensive talks” are “currently ongoing between Everton and Arsenal” over a deal for the player.
And he added that his “priority” is to stay in the Premier League and he is “keen on the move” to North London.
However, INews states that the Toffees want DOUBLE the amount they paid for Onana – which could force Arsenal into some wheeling and dealing.
The Merseyside club will have to Lille a 20 per cent sell-on clause as part of the package that brought him to Goodison and they believe a fee in excess of £60m is “realistic” – especially when benchmarked against the £58m Chelsea bought Romeo Lavia for from Southampton.
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That leaves Arsenal with a problem due to the constraints of Financial Fair Play restrictions.
This fresh report claims that they were informed by a Premier League insider that “they have no money to spend” this month without outgoings.
Therefore, Mikel Arteta will have to try and offload some members of his squad before the end of the month before they can make a big-money January purchase.
The Gunners boss forked out a club-record £105m to land Declan Rice before this season kicked off to bolster his midfield.
But he is keen to strengthen that area further, with Onana believed to be his top target.
Meanwhile, Onana is under contract at Everton until 2027 after penning a five-year deal upon signing.
One man who could depart the Emirates is Polish defender Jakub Kiwior, 23, who is wanted by Italian side Napoli.
Meanwhile, after being axed in favour of David Raya, speculation continues to rumble on over whether goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will stay or go with Newcastle believed to be leading the chase to sign the England international.
And forward Eddie Nketiah has also been linked with an exit, although all enquiries have been quickly rejected according to reports.
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