Amadou Onana breaks silence on Arsenal transfer talk with message to Everton that fans will love
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has opened up on rumours he was ready to depart Goodison Park after just a few months and sign up with title-chasers Arsenal.
The table-topping Gunners sought to strengthen their squad with some key signings in January to maximise their title prospects. And having already signed a new defender and winger in Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard, Mikel Arteta next wanted a new midfielder.
And with Thomas Partey suffering an injury, there is a very real threat that his formidable axis with Granit Xhaka could now be broken up.
As such, Arteta made no secret of his wish to recruit a new big-name midfielder. The main subject of their attention was Moises Caicedo. However, despite launching two bids – the second of which topped £70m – Brighton held out.
Caicedo remains on the Gunners shopping list, though, despite missing out. To that end, a trusted Sky Sports man claims blockbuster deals for both the Ecuadorian and a second midfielder are on the cards this summer.
But with Arsenal missing a deal for Caicedo in January, they quickly turned their attentions towards other options. And with Arteta determined to get another body in this month, speculation began to rise about who they would go for.
Indeed, the Gunners reportedly looked long and hard at Everton star Onana. The Belgian only moved to Goodison over the summer in a £33m move from Lille.
Considered a bit of a gamble at the time, Onana has settled in very quickly. And the 21-year-old has proved a rare bright spark in a bleak season so far for Everton.
As such, it was little surprise to see Arsenal reportedly looking at a potential move to prise him away.
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Amadou Onana rejects Arsenal speculation
Onana certainly has the characteristics and tenacity to succeed in a side like Arsenal. And there is no doubting that his exit would come as a huge blow to the Toffees.
Those fears of his exit heightened too on Monday when a report suggested they could look to sell if offered a vast profit on their summer investment.
However, no move from the Gunners was forthcoming. And Arteta’s side instead opted to swoop to sign Jorginho in a £12m deal from London rivals Chelsea. The Italy midfielder has signed an initial 18-month deal at Emirates Stadium.
Now Onana has broken his silence on speculation he could have left Everton.
And in an Instagram message to supporters, Everton will love the show of commitment from their star turn.
He wrote: “Said what I said and did what I did. #Aintleavingtheship #AO8.”
Onana talks up excellent relationship with Everton
Despite Everton’s struggles, Onana has been a standout player under Frank Lampard, prior to his sacking.
Sean Dyche will also hope for more of the same from the Belgian, who was part of Roberto Mancini’s World Cup squad.
Indeed, Dyche will need Onana at his very best if Everton are to pull away from the drop zone in the coming weeks.
And with a match against Arsenal, ironically, next on the horizon, Onana recently opened up on the special relationship he has with Everton.
“This is just me being me,” he said on his relationship with fans. “I love the relationship I have with the fans because if you play this beautiful game it is also because of them. It’s all about the joy we want to give them so I love the relationship that I have with them. They’ve shown me massive support since I’ve been here.
“Last month, during the whole World Cup while in Qatar I got loads and loads of messages wishing me good luck. Receiving such support feels amazing. It feels amazing to be a part of this club and to have these amazing fans.”
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