Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'leading race for in-demand midfielder'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 02 May 2024

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for one of the Premier League's most in-demand midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal are reportedly one of three clubs leading the race for one of the Premier League's most in-demand midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners forked out in excess of £200m on four new players last summer, including the record £105m signing of Declan Rice and the £65m acquisition of Kai Havertz.

Havertz began the campaign operating in a three-man midfield, but Mikel Arteta has since moved the German into a centre-forward role where he has thrived, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in his last 11 Premier League games since mid-February.

Despite that, Arsenal have been tipped to recruit a new striker ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, but the addition of a new midfielder is also thought to be high on their agenda, amid uncertainty over the futures of Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Mohamed Elneny and Charlie Patino.

While Elneny is out of contract at the end of June, Smith Rowe, Partey and Patino have all been linked with summer exits, with the latter two players attracting interest from Serie A clubs.

Everton's Amadou Onana celebrates after the match on February 19, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal, Bayern, Newcastle to battle for Onana?

According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal are one of three clubs along with Bayern Munich and Newcastle United who are leading the race to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old Belgium international.

However, the report states that Arsenal, Bayern and Newcastle are the teams 'most heavily involved' in the pursuit of Onana as they 'have done the most legwork' in a bid to secure his signature.

It has previously been reported that Onana is 'likely' to leave Everton this summer, with the midfielder currently valued between £50m and £60m.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana on December 16, 2023 © Reuters

Will Onana want to leave Everton this summer?

Onana joined Everton from Ligue 1 outfit Lille for a reported £33.5m in August 2022 and has since established himself as a key player for the Toffees, making 69 appearances in all competitions.

However, the 6ft 4in defensive midfielder has recently lost his regular starting place under Sean Dyche and has made three substitute appearances across Everton's last five Premier League fixtures during a period when the Toffees have won four times to secure top-flight survival.

Onana is thought to still be in Dyche's first-team plans going forward, but the prospect of joining a club competing in European competition next season could appeal to the Belgian.

Everton's No.8, who is under contract at Goodison Park until June 2027, is not the only Toffees star that has been linked with a summer exit, as defender Jarrad Branthwaite has reportedly attracted interest from Man United.