Arsenal have already been credited with an interest in Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
Onana is thought to be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, as reported by The Express, Chelsea are now plotting a move for the Belgian ace themselves, which could “ruin” Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans.
Everton paid £33 million to sign Onana from Lille in the summer of 2022. The 22-year-old has since established himself as one of the most promising midfield talents in the Premier League. He is a physical and combative presence in the middle of the park, but also possesses excellent technical ability. His arrival at the Emirates Stadium would provide valuable cover for Declan Rice, and he could even be deployed in front of the defence to allow the former West Ham United man to play further up the pitch.
There is no doubt that Arsenal need to overhaul their midfield contingent, as Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny are all coming towards the end of their careers.
However, Chelsea could put paid to the Gunners’ potential plans to make Onana a key figure in their new-look midfield unit. It would not be the first time that the Blues have undermined Arteta’s transfer plans.
How do Arsenal respond to Chelsea interest in Amadou Onana?
Of course, the Gunners were on the verge of sealing a deal for Mykhailo Mudryk, before the west London outfit swooped in to hijack that move. Though, it is safe to say that the Ukrainian winger has failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge since then, and Arsenal may feel that they dodged a bullet in that particular scenario.
Arsenal do have alternative targets to consider beyond Onana, though. Sporting director Edu is said to be willing to trigger the £52 million release clause of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi. Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz has also been dubbed Arteta’s “dream” signing. In this writer’s opinion, Luiz ought to be Arsenal’s top target, above Onana or Zubimendi.
If Arteta has his heart set on bringing Onana to the club, though, then Chelsea’s apparent interest in the player will be a real cause for concern. Even if the Gunners end up getting their man, the Blues’ involvement could lead to a bidding war that drives the player’s price tag up and up.
