Stan Kroenke could finally be in with a chance of getting revenge against fellow American businessman and Chelsea owner Todd Boehly just weeks after Mykhailo Mudryk’s dramatic transfer saga came to an end.
Kroenke had financially backed Arsenal sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta to secure the services of Mudryk this month, but Chelsea eventually won the race after Shakhtar Donetsk agreed to their structure of payments despite the Gunners offering the same amount of money.
Having been in negotiations for a number of months, it would have created a sense of frustration among the Arsenal hierarchy. Not only had they missed out on one of the hottest prospects in football, but they knew a direct rival was becoming stronger as a result.
READ MORE: Ian Wright says Mykhailo Mudryk snubbed Arsenal 'for money' amid 'disappointing' Chelsea outcome
Although it was a shame at the time, Arsenal are now very much focused on what lies ahead. Arteta and his men find themselves at the top of the Premier League and in a much stronger position internally, following the additions of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior. However, a potential long-term injury to Mohamed Elneny could see at least one more signing arrive through the doors between now and January 31, handing Kroenke the perfect chance to hit back at Chelsea in the process.
That’s because Everton’s Amadou Onana has turned down a move to the Blues this month, according to various reports. Coincidently, the Belgian is said to be on Arsenal’s radar too, paving the way for him to make the switch to north London instead. It’s not currently known as to why Onana has rebuffed Chelsea’s interest, but if it’s down to the proposal itself rather than him wanting to stay put, Arsenal could view now as the right moment to pounce.
The only potential sticking point would be the price considering Onana joined the Toffees just five months ago, although Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Moises Caicedo, suggesting money is there to be spent if the right player is available. Despite Everton’s recent struggles, Onana has been one of the very few standouts at Goodison Park this season. Possessing strength, power, energy and composure, the 21-year-old is brilliant in a box-to-box role, working just as hard offensively as he does defensively.
Prior to his Everton transfer in the summer, it’s said Arsenal were keeping tabs on Onana’s situation. Unfortunately, his move to Merseyside had already been sealed before injuries to Thomas Partey and the aforementioned Elneny struck, meaning focus instead turned to Douglas Luiz on deadline day.
However, just a few months later and Arsenal could be in with a chance of securing a long-term target right under Chelsea’s nose. After both teams went head to head for a winger, they now find themselves in urgent need of a defensive midfielder which could see them clash once again. But with Onana seemingly not convinced over a move to Stamford Bridge, Kroenke has the opportunity to give Boehly a taste of his own medicine in the coming days.
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