In the competition to recruit Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this summer, Manchester United and Arsenal are ahead of Barcelona, according to the Spanish publication Sport.
Since joining Everton from Lille in 2022, Onana has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfield players.
Despite his recent injury issues, Sean Dyche, the Everton manager, still views him as a key player who always plays well when selected.
Onana has been linked to Barcelona on a regular basis, but according to Sport, Arsenal and Manchester United are in a stronger position to sign him.
The Catalans are unwilling to spend more than £34 million on the Belgian, which is substantially less from the £51 million that the Toffees want for Onana.
The Spanish champions believe the price is too high. Arsenal and United, according to Sport, are prepared to “make an offer” for the former Lille player and are able to pay Everton’s £51 million asking fee.
This summer, the Brazilian star may be traded to make room for a young midfielder who can easily adjust to the high-pressure nature of the game.
In the meanwhile, the Gunners have had to deal with Thomas Partey’s ongoing injury issues, and they may really consider moving him when the transfer market reopens.
Both teams would benefit greatly from signing Onana. In the Premier League, he is among the best at winning both aerial and ground duels.
The 22-year-old is not afraid to tackle and enjoys applying a lot of pressure to his opponents. Additionally, he has excelled in recovering balls for the Toffees.
There may be a bidding war, but if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League and United fail to finish in the top four, then Arsenal might have the advantage.
If Everton get relegated then they would be forced to sell him for near £30 million. But Arsenal may instead go for João Palhinha instead.
I mentioned this to you before in my bloggs, that Fulham usual get the best of the battles against Arsenal in midfield, and that João Palhinha is the only midfielder that outshines Rice every game they meet. Also I mentioned in my previous bloggs that if Arsenal was to acquire João and form a partnership with Rice, it would give Arsenal an impenetrable concrete midfield brick wall that we have not seen since Viera and Petite. It would possibly create another invincible Arsenal team.