Amadou Onana transfer latest as Everton and Arsenal face financial dilemmas

Arsenal have a long-term interest in Amadou Onana but the prospect of a deal with Everton will come down to the financial positions of both clubs.

The midfielder has long been on the radar of the north London side - a position enhanced by the Belgium international’s display against them at Goodison Park last February, Onana’s standout performance in Royal Blue.

But the title-challengers are understood to be operating with a cautious approach to the January transfer window, keeping an eye on Premier League profit and sustainability regulations. Sales may be needed before Mikel Arteta can consider strengthening this month, while the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool was the latest evidence to suggest a new striker should be the priority if money was to become available.

Any deal would also be dependent on Everton climbing down on its previous valuation of Onana. In the summer, club chiefs were keen to use the Moises Caicedo deal completed by Chelsea as a benchmark for the 22-year-old.

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Onana has been a source of speculation since Everton fought off West Ham United to sign the player from Lille in the summer of 2022. Since then he has made 49 Premier League appearances, establishing himself first under Frank Lampard and then Sean Dyche. Against a backdrop of growing experience, Arsenal’s interest has remained consistent. It extended into the club’s first team squad when Onana was the most impressive player as Everton defeated Arsenal at Goodison Park in Dyche’s first game in charge - after which he was one of the main topics of conversation in the away team’s dressing