Done deal✅ Watch video ] Amadou Onana completed his move to Emirate Stadium

 

Onana transfer latest - Arsenal talks, Everton FFP factor and Dyche honesty

Arsenal's main transfer target in the January window is Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has been earning himself a reputation on Merseyside since his 2022 switch from Lille. In the summer, Manchester United were linked with a transfer for him as they aimed to find a long-term replacement for Casemiro.

However, it is now the Gunners who are in the driving seat as they bid to find a midfield partner for Declan Rice. Should he sign at the Emirates Stadium, Onana would want to play in a deep holding role which would likely allow the former West Ham United midfielder to play more advanced.

While no agreement is set in stone yet, football.london has taken a closer look at the transfer news surrounding the Belgium international.

Onana makes transfer admission

Following the links to United in the summer, Onana was quick to suggest he could make the transition to one of the so-called 'Big Six'. Speaking to Transfermarkt, he explained: "I am truly convinced that there are no upper limits for me.

"That doesn't mean to sound arrogant. But I believe in my abilities and that I can come to a top club and become a regular player there."

READ MORE: Arteta's dream Arsenal XI if Onana signs

READ MORE: Everton eye Onana replacement

Dyche's honesty

After the club had been deducted ten points for FFP breaches, Dyche was asked in a press conference whether this would mean departures from Goodison Park. Sadly for the Toffees' fans, his response offered little in the way of comfort.

"That would be down to the powers that be. They will make those decisions, inevitably," he explained.

"They will ask my advice, I'm sure. It's fair to say we've got a more well-rounded squad and it's showing signs of progress.

"You don't really want to be taking that to pieces, certainly not midway the season, but the club might view it differently. We will have to wait and see."

Arsenal begin 'intensive talks'

On January 8, football.london reported the Gunners were undertaking 'intensive talks' with the Merseyside club to bring Onana to North London. Everton are believed to be wanting £50m for the midfielder and do not want him to leave but their perilous financial situation opened them up to a sale this month.

Dyche responds to Arsenal interest

Just over a week after our story, Dyche faced the media to answer questions on Onana's future. He told the press: "We are in a position to do the best we can with the team we have got but we are in the position where if the right deal came along..."

He then added: "But you've seen how quiet it is in January and we are certainly not thinking of players going out of the building."

Onana 'open to Arsenal'

Dyche's response provided little in the way of optimism for Everton fans and neither did the latest reports from GiveMeSport that same day. They claimed Onana is eager to move to Arsenal and this stance has pushed forward talks between all parties.

Everton's FFP continuous nightmare

While Dyche is confident Everton will not need to sell players, Monday's news they could be in breach of further FFP rules have only stoked speculation regarding Onana. If a fire sale is needed to avoid further trouble with the Premier League, the Gunners could find themselves in a position to pick up a bargain.