Arsenal midfield target ‘almost certain’ to leave with Edu in ‘constant contact’ over £62m deal

Arsenal remain in contact with Everton’s Amadou Onana after expressing an interest in signing the Belgian midfielder last summer, according to reports.

Onana’s performances have been a rare positive in a disappointing season for the Toffees. Sean Dyche’s side are involved in another relegation battle after narrowly avoiding the drop last season.

The former Lille midfielder was linked with a host of top clubs last summer before moving to Goodison Park.

Despite the fact he has been with the Merseyside outfit for less than a year, he is being linked with a move elsewhere.

Arsenal are reportedly contemplating reigniting their interest in Onana when the transfer window re-opens.

He is one of many midfielders on Mikel Arteta’s radar, though West Ham captain Declan Rice is believed to be his number-one target.

, and the Everton player would likely be the cheapest out of the three.

And after holding an interest last year, it is believed Onana has impressed Arsenal this season and the Gunners could once again pursue him this summer.

This is according to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad (via Sport Witness). It is claimed that Arsenal director of football Edu Gaspar is in ‘constant contact’ with the player’s representatives.

Onana is apparently keen to step up to the next level after impressing for Everton.

The Toffees have set an asking price of £62million after signing the Belgian international from French side Lille for around £33m.

Given the fact he wants to play for a bigger club, Onana’s exit is ‘almost certain’ at the end of this season.

The aforementioned Rice is expected to cost north of £80m, so would be significantly more expensive.

Rice and Onana can both operate effectively as a No. 6 and a No. 8, which gives them the edge over Caicedo, though the latter can play the deeper role at a higher level.

Arsenal had two bids rejected by Brighton for the Ecuadorian in the winter transfer window.

After failing to land Caicedo, the Gunners turned their attention to Jorginho, who they brought in from Chelsea for around £12m.

Caicedo had publicly asked Brighton to let him leave but signed a contract extension after the winter transfer window closed.