Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in the race to sign Everton star Amadou Onana. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Everton following the sacking of Frank Lampard.
With Chelsea in the market for a midfielder, the Blues were said to be contemplating 'whether or not to try and take advantage' of the ensuing crisis at Goodison Park. But, it's transpired that the Gunners are just as keen to secure the Belgium international's signature this month as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his side ahead of a Premier League title charge.
Onana has featured 18 times for the Toffees this season, directly contributing towards two goals. His impressive displays have rightfully attracted the interest of Europe's top clubs and, with Everton in a relegation battle, the Merseyside club could be inclined to cash in on the Belgian.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed key Rafael Leao January boost as AC Milan chase Newcastle transfer replacement
And, if reports from his homeland are to be believed, Onana has gifted Arsenal a free run at exacting their Mykhailo Mudryk revenge on Chelsea. According to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, the Blues are confident that they can agree a deal with the Toffees for the £50million-rated youngster.
But the report also states that Onana has rejected a move to Stamford Bridge as he looks to focus on keeping Everton in the top-flight. Het Nieuwsblad adds that a move to the Emirates Stadium could be more realistic following the injury of Mohamed Elneny.
Roberto Martinez is a big admirer of the Chelsea target and even compared him to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. Speaking to Sky Sports in the summer before Onana arrived on Merseyside, the former Everton and Belgium boss said: "Really exciting footballer.
"Off the ball, he is one of the most impressive young players with his capacity, without the ball, the intensity, the way he can press, and then it’s that arrival into the box, sometimes he reminds you of a young Patrick Vieira in the way that he can drive with the ball
"That’s a young player, he’s going to be 21 next week, so you’re still talking about potential, but what is already there is the leadership and the captain material that he brings to Everton."
Everton are set to welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park when the Premier League returns after the fourth round of the FA Cup on February 4. If the Gunners do complete the signing of Onana, he could face a frosty reception back on Merseyside.
READ NEXT:
Xhaka forfeit, Arteta and Odegaard battle as new Arsenal signing trains ahead of Man City clash
Robert Lewandowski gives Arsenal transfer green light as dream Mikel Arteta window takes shape
Arsenal’s Man Utd win was three years in the making as Mikel Arteta tactics exposed Antony
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
