Everton midfielder Amadou Onana admits playing for a “top club” is something he strives for.
The 22-year-old has been included in Belgium’s squad for Euro 2024 and has hinted he hopes good performances in Germany will help attract potential suitors.
Standard Sport understands Onana, who rejected West Ham when joining the Toffees from Lille in 2022, is one of the options Arsenal have looked at ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are keen on bolstering their midfield ranks and Onana, Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi have all been watched this season.
Back in February, Onana’s agent revealed the Belgium star had actually rejected a January move away from Goodison Park.
“We could have left this winter,” said Melissa Onana.
“But we once again sat down and asked the question whether it’s the right time, if the player is ready. My job is to put opportunities on the table.
“In the end, he’s the one who makes the choice because it’s his life and his career. I put the opportunities on the table and he said ‘No, I want to stay at Everton and I want to continue to fight’.”
Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle have also been linked with Onana, who is still under contract at Everton until 2027.
Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, Onana said: “At previous tournaments you have seen that the players who did well make the step up to the top clubs. 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.”