Arsenal transfer news: Fabrizio Romano responds to ‘serious’ allegations surrounding Everton star Amadou Onana
Fabrizio Romano has said he has heard about Arsenal’s reported interest in Everton star Amadou Onana.
Respected Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported on January 8 that Arsenal are in “intensive” negotiations with Everton over the signing of the midfielder.
In an update to the Daily Briefing page on Tuesday [9 January], transfer expert Romano claimed that Arsenal have not yet made an offer.
“We are aware that there are significant claims that Arsenal are intensifying negotiations to sign Amadou Onana from Everton,” Romano said.
“Obviously this has upset some Gunners fans, but it’s a shame that the information I have at the moment isn’t complete.
” “Onana is a player consistently valued by Arsenal.
I understand that he is one of them, but there is no concrete news about it yet.
“Let’s see in the next days what happen, but for Arsenal it remains time to discuss internally before making concrete bids.
“We know Arsenal have issues in midfield because Thomas Partey has barely played this season due to injury.
“Onana is a fine talent who could offer something similar in midfield, but it’s still early to know what will happen with Onana, and also with Partey.
This disruption is far from ideal from an Everton perspective as Onana is a key member of Sean Dyche’s squad.
It is clear why Arsenal would be interested in landing the Belgium international, but he will not come cheap.
For all the talk of Everton’s financial issues, they are not currently in a position whereby they have to sell their biggest assets on the cheap.
Onana is said to be valued in the region of £50million, and the Toffees should not accept a penny less than that – if they sell at all.
Everton are involved in a scrap to avoid relegation, which is worth far more than that £50m figure.
Going by what Romano says, a bid is not exactly close to being made, and the big fear is that Arsenal wait until close to the window closing.
If that happens and Onana does depart, the Toffees will have no time to bring in a replacement and the squad will therefore be weakened.
Everton fans would love a new signing to come in even if Onana stays, but right now the priority is on keeping the squad intact.