Arsenal in 'intensive' talks to sign surprise big-money Premier League star: report

By
published

Arsenal are looking to bring in a top Premier League-proven superstar, as Mikel Arteta addresses the imbalances in his side

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal are intensifying talks to bring a surprise new signing to the Emirates Stadium from elsewhere in the Premier League.

The Gunners are currently in a slump, having one once of their last seven matches in all competitions and falling away in the title race. Sunday brought a premature end to their FA Cup hopes, as Liverpool beat them 2-1 away at the Emirates Stadium, potentially leaving them trophyless for a fourth consecutive season. 

But despite FFP concerns, Arsenal want to add to their squad this month – and one new star could be a leftfield choice to improve their fortunes. 

Declan Rice of Arsenal looks dejected after the team's defeat in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 07, 2024 in London, England. Arsenal wear an all-white kit at home, for the first time in the club's history, in support of the 'No More Red' campaign against knife crime and youth violence.

Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup at the weekend (Image credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has tweeted to confirm that Amadou Onana is in talks to move to the Emirates Stadium this month.

The Everton midfielder has been in sparkling form this term but given that Arsenal's woes are in front of goal, the choice to sign another midfielder may confuse some fans. Kai Havertz has played alongside Martin Odegaard in the middle ahead of Declan Rice this season, since Granit Xhaka left the club over the summer.

Xhaka's absence has been felt, however, and the move for a natural No.8 makes sense, given that Thomas Partey has been injured for much of the season so far. 

Everton's Amadou Onana applauds the fans after his side's Carabao Cup clash against Burnley in November 2023.

Everton's Amadou Onana is a target for Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)

Everton have FFP troubles of their own and will likely demand a huge sum for their midfield gem – though may be open to a sale in order to strengthen their squad elsewhere. 

Onana is valued at €50 million by Transfermarkt. 

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal may have to aim for alternative striker targets after being dealt a double blow in their pursuit of two big names.

But the Gunners could be about to sign a highly-rated European wonderkid.

And a Manchester City star has been linked with a move to north London.

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.