Edu in ‘constant contact’ with £62m Everton ace as Arsenal search for Declan Rice alternatives

Arsenal sporting director Edu is reportedly ‘in contact’ with the representatives of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, ahead of a potential summer approach. 

The 20-year-old has been one of the few positives for the Toffees this season, with Sean Dyche’s side still in serious danger of relegation.

The Gunners, on the other hand, are flying at the moment, sitting eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. However, Mikel Arteta is still keen to bolster his squad ahead of next summer.

One of the key areas the Spaniard is looking to improve is his midfield.

While the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have been fantastic this term, they still want to add more long-term options to that area.

West Ham captain Declan Rice is widely considered to be one of Arsenal’s main targets, for example.

However, with a reported price tag of £100m, the 24-year-old may prove to be too costly this summer.

As a result, the Gunners could now switch their attention to Onana, who could look to make a big-money move this summer.

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Edu ‘in contact’ with Onana’s entourage

According to a report from Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Edu has been in ‘constant contact’ with Onana’s entourage.

The 6ft 4in midfielder is openly ambitious, stating in a recent interview that he sees himself “at one of the biggest clubs recognised worldwide” within five years.

Now, it seems he could get that wish, with Arsenal, along with several other top European clubs pushing to sign him.

The Gunners registered their interest in Onana in January and while Everton wouldn’t entertain a bid at that time – their stance may now have changed.

Indeed, the Merseyside club currently find themselves in the midst of a financial crisis, after the Premier League mounted charges of alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations against them.

As a result, Everton could potentially end up being forced into selling some of their prized assets this summer, and Onana certainly fits into that category.

However, even with their current situation – the Toffees won’t let Onana go cheaply.

According to reports, Dyche and co have slapped a £62m on the Belgium international.

This would represent a significant profit on the £33m the Merseysiders spent last summer, but the Goodison Park faithful would no doubt be disappointed to lose one of their brightest talents.

But, from Arsenal’s point of view, Onana could prove to be an excellent addition and could play a key role in Arteta’s team for years to come.

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