Arsenal have been given a huge boost to their hopes of finally signing Amadou Onana. The 22-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window, but a switch failed to materialise.
Playing a crucial role in Sean Dyche’s side, Onana featured 30 times in the Premier League last season, helping the Toffees escape relegation. Everton were deducted six points and then a further two points following two separate breaches of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs), yet the Belgium international still managed to steer them to safety.
However, unfortunately for the Merseyside outfit, they could face further punishment. According to The Athletic, Everton must make a sale before the PSR deadline slams shut on June 30.
Clubs in the English top-flight are allowed to lose £105m over a three-year accounting period and the report states that the Toffees have a ‘relatively small hole to fill’ before Sunday. The Athletic add that not doing so would put them at risk of a further breach.
So, Everton may be left with no choice but to cash in on Onana this week. Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also face uncertain futures at Goodison Park, with Premier League teams keeping tabs on a potential fire sale.
In the meantime, Onana has put himself in the shop window at Euro 2024. Speaking to Dutch publication Het Laatste Nieuws ahead of the tournament earlier this summer, he outlined his desire to join a top club.
“At previous tournaments you have seen that the players who did well make the step up to the top clubs,” said Onana, as quoted by the Evening Standard. “That’s something I strive for. I feel like presenting myself to the European top and showing what I have to offer. This European Championship is a stage.”
Then, in an interview with German newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt, the Everton midfielder revealed his two career goals. He said: “I want to be a much better player. And my goal is to play for an international world club in three years.
“I also want to have qualified with Belgium for the 2026 World Cup in America in three years. I dream about that. And I will do everything I can to make these dreams come true too. I have to and will answer this very professionally.
“I’m under contract with Everton – and I’ll leave everything else to the media. I’ll just do my best at the European Championships and then we’ll see…”
In January, football.london understood that Arsenal were exploring a potential deal to sign Onana, with Mikel Arteta eager to strengthen his options in midfield. Despite hopes of bolstering his squad over the festive period, the Gunners didn’t welcome any new faces to London Colney.
