Arsenal have identified Everton midfielder Amadou Onana as a possible midfield reinforcement this month. The Gunners are keen on adding another figure to Mikel Arteta's midfield after already signing Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior, who can also play in defence.
As well reported, the Gunners have prioritised a winger and new central midfielder in the January transfer window as they continued their Premier League title fight with Manchester City. With less than a week remaining of the window, a host of names have been linked with a move to north London, including Brighton's Moises Caicedo and West Ham skipper Declan Rice.
Alongside Onana, all three have also been named on Chelsea's radar amid Todd Boehly's mass influx of signings made since his takeover in the summer. The Blues have spent well over £100million this month bringing in Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana.
READ MORE: Edu hit with £13m Arsenal transfer dilemma amid Ivan Fresneda and Weston McKennie decision
Yesterday (Tuesday), it was reported that Everton may need to sell one of their prized assets to raise money following Frank Lampard's dismissal as manager. Despite only joining the club in the summer for £30million from Lille, Onana has been named - alongside Anthony Gordon - as one of the assets the Toffees could sell before next Tuesday's deadline.
It's said that Arsenal have expressed an interest in the Belgium international during his short time on Merseyside, with various claims suggesting a move for the midfielder in the summer is likely. However, a deal could be advanced and concluded this month.
The 21-year-old failed to report to Everton training on Tuesday afternoon, alongside fellow wantaway star Gordon. It's impossible to be sure that Onana's absence from training indicates his desire to secure a move, but it certainly indicates that may be the case.
Sky Sports reported from Everton's training ground, saying: "Anthony Gordan was not at training, he didn't report to Finch Farm with the rest of his teammates yesterday, they trained at around 3pm. Amadou Onana was also an abscentee. We're not sure in regards to Gordon exactly where he's been but the explaination we were given from the club was that both abscences were planned."
Onana has been an ever-present figure in Everton's midfield, starting 16 of his 18 appearances in the league. However, has struggled to showcase his true qualities courtesy of the poor form under Lampard. Since beating Southampton in October, the Toffees collected only five points from a possible 33.
Everton will likely be keen to keep hold of their Belgian midfield maestro as they prepare for another intense fight to stay in the Premier League. But should the price be right, it may prove to be too good to turn down.
READ NEXT:
Five players on notice after Edu and Arsenal's January transfer plans are complete
Four players who could leave Arsenal after Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior transfers
Arsenal legend delivers Jakub Kiwior transfer verdict after Edu completes £21m signing
Find the footballs on the football.london website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
