Arsenal have been long term admirers of several Premier League midfielders and it looks as if they could make a major move for one of them this month.
TEAMtalk claimed tonight to exclusively reveal that Arsenal have made an approach to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana in the current transfer window.
Everton are likely to demand a big fee, but their financial constraints may see them have to compromise a little, as they look to make profit on their £33million purchase.
At just 22 years old, Onana showcases promising technical abilities that make him a potential successor to Thomas Partey in midfield. The Gunners had been tracking him during his time at Lille before his move to Everton and had interest in signing him last January.
With Partey now 30 and struggling to stay fit, Mikel Arteta recognises the need for a younger, Premier League-ready option in a similar mold, and Onana fits the bill perfectly. The debate lies in whether the best use of resource right now is on a midfielder rather than a forward.
While there had been hopes that Albert Sambi Lokonga could develop into such a player, those hopes dwindled following a string of underwhelming performances which resulted in him being loaned to Luton this summer.
Mohammed Elneny has been a loyal servant to the club, but the gap in quality between him and Partey has become too apparent, particularly if Arsenal aims to maintain their position at the top of the table and he is now potentially on his way out of the club too.
Like Delcan Rice, Onana is capable of playing as a number six or a number eight, which would give Arteta interesting options for rotations in game.
Aged just 22 he is also a player that whilst he would cost a lot, would retain value.