Arsenal, like all Premier League clubs this summer, are looking for value for money in the transfer market.
Despite being one of the richer clubs in the top flight, the Gunners will still be concerned about overspending and potentially having to compromise on other targets. It looks almost certain that Mikel Arteta will be aiming to bring a central midfielder to the club but a good chunk of the money shall be spent on a much-needed centre-forward.
That is why Arsenal can not pass up the opportunity they have this week to offer a deal which could save them a lot of money. While the North London club will have a close focus on the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), Everton are very much aware of the potential issues associated with those regulations.
Last season, the Toffees were punished for overspending and Sean Dyche will be keen to avoid similar penalties this campaign. The Merseyside club have already sold striker Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa in a bid to keep themselves on the right side of the rules but another sale could be needed to ensure beyond doubt they are safe prior to June 30.
This Sunday is important because it is the last day clubs can make sales to help their financial position for the 2023/24 season. Here is where Arsenal come in.
With Everton keen to keep themselves inside the regulations, Arteta could have the opportunity to make a money-saving bid for midfielder Amadou Onana who has been on the radar for the majority of this year. The Belgian would make an adequate replacement for Thomas Partey who faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium and for a relatively low fee would prove value for money.
An issue could arise from the fact that Onana is at Euro 2024, but he has already made it clear he wants to put himself in the shop window during the tournament. This means his agent should be primed to negotiate a deal without needing to consult too heavily with his client.
If the Gunners wait until after June 30, Everton may have already made another sale to help their PSR position and thus become trickier to negotiate with this summer. These next four days could become crucial for Arteta and Edu as they aim to build their squad for another title challenge.
