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Pundit shares verdict on Arsenal sealing cut-price Amadou Onana deal as Mikel Arteta speaks out
Noel Whelan has suggested Arsenal will fail in their pursuit of Amadou Onana this month as Everton can’t afford to let him go.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Gunners could swoop for a “cheap” deal in the summer if the Toffees are relegated to the Championship.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri (23 January), Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in Onana as they look for midfield reinforcements in the mid-season window
Tavolieri claims the “urgent” need for transfer funds at Goodison Park has opened the door to a potential exit for the Belgium international.
As quoted by Sky Sports (27 January), Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he is on the lookout for a midfield addition in the final days of the transfer window.
That news comes amid a fresh injury concern for backup option Mohamed Elneny.
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Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think Everton will let him go.
“They’re transitioning to a new manager, and Sean Dyche will need Onana if he is going to keep Everton in the Premier League.
“You can’t lose any player like him.
“He brings so much to the party. He’s a fighter, hard worker – and he seems like the sort of character they need in the team.
“It’s a move which I’d find very surprising in January.
“Maybe in the summer, when the dust is settled – I could see it.
“If Everton go down, there could be a cheap deal available. They’d be forced to let him go.
“But for now, they need him.”
In other news, medical expert claims Gabriel Jesus is “ahead of schedule” at Arsenal after “amazing” update.