Arsenal told signing Amadou Onana from Everton would be a mistake in title race

19 January 2024 , 10:27

726     0

Amadou Onana has been linked to a move to Arsenal (Image: Emma Simpson)

Amadou Onana is not yet of sufficient quality to improve Arsenal's squad, says Mikael Silvestre.

The Everton midfielder has been linked with a £50million move to the Gunners this month as Mikel Arteta hopes to secure his side's title bid, while the Toffees may hope to balance the books after breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Sean Dyche's side produced losses above the allowed threshold for the assessment period that ended at the close of 2022/23.

Arsenal's primary concern appears to have been in adding greater firepower up front after four matches without a win and just two goals in that time. The north London side hope to strengthen in midfield too, though it may not be in January as they also deliberate whether to extend Jorginho's deal.

Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Silvestre is not convinced that the Belgian international is of sufficient quality to improve Arteta's midfield to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool. The former France star believes Onana is lacking in three areas.

Silvestre told bettingexpert.com: "He’s (Onana) improved a lot. I’m not sure he’s at the level to improve the current squad. If you’re chasing the Premier League title with City and with Liverpool, I don’t think he’s fully ready to improve the midfield. He still has some work to do. Number one would be concentration.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

"Sometimes he loses the ball too easily and his decision making is not 100% there yet. It’s a bit too early for him to be a contender in midfield for Arsenal."

Onana's Everton deal runs until 2027 after joining the club in a £33m deal in the summer of 2022 from Lille. The midfielder would not come cheap for Arsenal, who spent £105m on Declan Rice ahead of this season to begin a midfield transformation.

Amadou Onana has caught Arsenal's eye (Paul Phelan/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)

The 22-year-old Toffees star has become an invaluable figure at Goodison Park and has made 23 appearances this term. His efforts have helped ensure that Everton edged out of the relegation zone despite a 10-point deduction. Though,Luton Town remain one point behind them with a game in hand.

Sean Dyche appears unconcerned about any speculation over a move to the Emirates however. The former Burnley and Watford boss is adamant that any decision on Onana remains in the hands of Everton.

He said: "He's been heavily linked before I was here and after, it's just another story. He's an Everton player, so any decision that we make on players, it will be us that decide."

Scott Trotter