Arsenal’s recent setbacks in the Premier League have shifted the momentum of their title aspirations, enduring consecutive defeats in the English top flight. With formidable challenges posed by resurgent teams like Liverpool, a surprising Aston Villa, and a consistently strong Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s squad faces a demanding task to surpass their runner-up status from the previous season, all while juggling commitments in the Champions League.
As the Gunners navigate this stumbling phase, the customary calls for reinforcement in the January transfer window have surfaced. The latest player linked to a potential move to North London is Amadou Onana, the Everton midfielder who has impressed since joining the Toffees in 2022.
Despite significant investments in the previous summer, Arteta finds himself facing a midfield shortage, particularly with key players frequently sidelined due to injuries. Amadou Onana emerges as a possible solution for the Arsenal manager.
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Reasons Arsenal is Interested in Amadou Onana:
Physical Presence: Onana, an all-action central midfielder, possesses intriguing qualities, with his physicality making him an enticing prospect for Arsenal. Despite his slender frame and tall build, the Belgian international excels in tackling and dominates aerial battles.
Aerial Prowess: Onana’s statistics reflect his prowess, winning 2.47 aerial duels per 90 in the Premier League this season, ranking him among the top four percent of midfielders in the division.
Defensive Capabilities: Onana’s versatility allows him to play as a deep-lying midfielder or in a more advanced role. He excels in defensive aspects, ranking in the top 20% for tackles, tackles won, and tackles won in the attacking third per 90 in the Premier League.
Pressing Ability: Onana showcases his ability to lead a press, averaging 7.13 ball recoveries per match, highlighting his effectiveness as a ball-winner.
Playmaking Potential: Onana’s potential to thrive in a deep playmaking role stands out. His defensive capabilities make him an ideal candidate to act as a defensive barrier while contributing to ball retention and distribution to creative outlets.
Potential Role at Arsenal:
Onana could excel in a deep playmaking role, providing defensive support to Arsenal’s backline and offering a link to the more creative players. This role could see him perform a function similar to Jorginho in crucial games, but with added mobility, endurance, and versatility.
Transfer Status:
While no concrete move has been finalized for Onana, various sources suggest that Arsenal is closely monitoring the midfielder and is keen on pursuing him in the current January window. The potential cost for acquiring Onana is estimated to be between £50m to £70m, a substantial fee. Everton’s current financial situation may open the door for a winter transfer, but Arsenal might need to generate funds through player sales to facilitate the move.