Ornstein gives SURPRISE verdict on Arsenal's Onana pursuit

Tom Weber

Updated: 30 Mar 2024 14:59 GMT
3 min read

David Ornstein has squashed Arsenal's transfer links with Amadou Onana.

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The Belgian midfielder has become one of the Premier League's most in-demand players courtesy of his brilliant performances for Everton. Onana has been an absolute machine at the base of the Toffees' midfield and the 22-year-old's future has, unsurprisingly, been the subject of intense speculation.

With Everton mired in a relegation battle due to their points deductions, Onana is frequently linked with a summer exit, with the likes of Barcelona, Man Utd and Arsenal mentioned as potential destinations. The Blaugrana, however, can't afford Onana, which means that Onana will likely remain in the Premier League.

FootballTransfers has been able to confirm that the Belgian is a major summer target for Man Utd, who will be in for a massive transfer window. As for Arsenal, it is thought that they also hold a credible interest in the Everton man, but The Athletic's transfer expert David Ornstein is not so sure about that.

Ornstein squashes Onana talk

While answering fan questions during a Q&A, Ornstein was asked about Arsenal's chances of landing Onana in the summer. The journalist's verdict is one that won't excite Gunners fans, unfortunately.

“I’m sure there is some appreciation for Onana at Arsenal and elsewhere, but I’m not sure he fits their profile or price bracket. In the number 6 role, we know Arteta likes Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi (and there will be others). If it’s a No 8 they go for there will be multiple options as well. I don’t really see this one happening.”

It is intriguing that Ornstein mentions the price bracket because it had been thought that Onana would command a similar fee to Zubimendi should he indeed depart Goodison Park this summer. Zubimendi has a €60 million release clause at Real Sociedad, which is also the fee that has been touted for Onana.