Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Gunners are in the market for a new midfielder before Tuesday’s deadline, as relayed by GOAL journalist Charles Watts.
“Well, we need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can. In this market, it’s pretty complicated to do that. If there’s anything else available that can make us better we’ll look at it,” the Spaniard said.
There have been several names linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium throughout this month and beyond, namely the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, although Everton powerhouse Amadou Onana could emerge as a viable option.
Should Arsenal sign Onana before deadline day?
YES!
NO!
That’s according to the Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella, who reported that the Belgian international is now under consideration, adding weight to RMC Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri‘s recent claims that the Toffees need for money and Frank Lampard’s departure could make him available for a move.
In Onana, the north Londoners could secure their very own Paul Pogba, at least in the eyes of resected French journalist Laurens Julien, who once likened the £33m star to the former Manchester United sensation.
“He’s an incredible talent,” he said to The Blue Room.”He’s a Tchouameni, he’s a Pogba, those kinds of players.”
Indeed, he could well be cut from the same cloth, offering up unique and outstanding box-to-box qualities. After all, he was once dubbed as a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
The Belgian is proving to be a key influence at either end of the pitch, with an average of 2.97 tackles, two aerials won and 1.1 interceptions per 90 defensively, as well as an average of 2.26 progressive passes and 1.23 shots per 90 in the Premier League too, via FBref.
They also liken his statistical profile to that of West Ham United titan Tomas Soucek and you could argue that all three use their towering, bustling frame and physicality to get the better of the opposition, maybe even in a very similar nature to Gunners legend Patrick Vieira in his heyday.
It’s perhaps why Onana – who is thought to earn around £100k-per-week at Goodison Park – has also been lauded as a “monster” and as a “giant of a midfielder” in recent times.
As such, Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar could well hand Arteta his very own Pogba with a stunning January move for the Toffees star before next week’s transfer deadline.
Given the evidence above, Onana would be one fine signing indeed.
AND in other news, Arsenal could land their own Bentancur as Edu begins talks for £22m “absolute steal”…
