With Mikel Arteta at the helm since 2019, Arsenal has undergone a remarkable transformation. Arteta took on the daunting task of returning his previous team, the Gunners, to their glory days. The Spaniard has excelled in his first senior management role, introducing a possession-based system to North London. His midfield is now in charge of the game, directing the tempo and direction of play.
Thanks to Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, Arsenal have reached new heights in their transfer window. The team is now once again a serious championship contender thanks to these arrivals. A last piece to Arteta’s midfield jigsaw has been what supporters have wished for. Perhaps your request will soon be granted. Spanish media have reported that Arsenal is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton. This 22-year-old has been a revelation for Everton since his £33 million transfer in 2022. Even if Barcelona and other big European teams are interested in him, Arsenal seems to be in the driver’s seat.
To prevent more financial fines, Everton may decide to sacrifice Onana in order to generate revenue. Arsenal may be willing to pay the exorbitant fee of £60 million to get him, according to reports. It is possible that Arteta’s midfield trio will be complete with Onana. Last season, Onana was an integral part of Everton’s success in retaining their Premier League position. He showed off his on-and-off-the-ball abilities in 30 league games. He can move the ball forward and set up teammates with ease, as seen by his 84% pass accuracy and 4.6 progressive passes per 90 minutes.
Arsenal Are Desperate To Bring The Midfielder With 84% Pass Accuracy
Onana is outstanding defensively. Because of his “monster” ball-winning skills, analyst Ben Mattinson referred to him as such. With a victory percentage of 2.2, Onana has 3.1 tackles per 90 minutes played. He would provide Arsenal’s midfield some much-needed solidity with his defensive abilities. What Arsenal needs is exactly what Onana has. His skills in gaining control and advancing the ball would be an asset next to Rice and Odegaard, who are both great when given the ball. Odegaard and Rice had 18 league assists each last year. They would have greater confidence to go ahead with Onana on board because they would have someone they can rely on as an anchor.
Since signing with Arsenal, Rice has excelled, scoring seven goals in the league. But being in Onana’s company would offer him the freedom to progress. That’s when he performs best. Odegaard would be more effective with a solid defensive midfielder on his side, thanks to his imagination and vision. Arsenal midfield three would be unstoppable if they were to sign Onana. Midfielder Odegaard would provide stability, inventiveness, and balance to Arsenal with Rice and Onana at the base.
Arsenal would be making a huge expenditure if they signed Onana, but he might have a huge effect. With his stellar statistics and natural fit in Arteta’s system, Arsenal may be able to break their 20-year Premier League championship drought. It seems like a winning formula: Onana, Rice, and Odegaard. If this transfer goes through, Arteta’s plans for Arsenal’s midfield might finally come to fruition.
