Arsenal identify Man Utd's Casemiro replacement as Douglas Luiz alternative

Cameron Smith

• 5 Jan 2024 02:10 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have reportedly approached Everton regarding a January move for Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana.

Onana, 22, moved to Goodison Park from Lille for €35 million in 2022 and he enjoyed a productive first campaign in the Premier League.

He attracted interest from Chelsea during last summer’s transfer window, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side opted to sign Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu instead.

As a result, Onana stayed put at Everton but he could be on the move in January as Arsenal have made him a priority signing, according to TEAMTalk.

The Gunners want to bolster their midfield amid links that Thomas Partey may leave and Onana has reportedly been identified as a key target.

FootballTransfers understand that Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz remains Mikel Arteta’s first-choice target, but Aston Villa’s eye-watering asking price means a deal is extremely unlikely.

We have been told that Sao Paulo youngster Pablo Maia has been selected as a possible alternative, while Joao Palhinha has been considered too.

However, the Fulham man is set to stay at Craven Cottage until this summer at least, with Marco Silva’s side hesitant to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre as a result.

Manchester United also want Amadou Onana

Arsenal aren’t the only club who want to sign Onana, however. Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are also keen on the 22-year-old following his recent form at Everton.

Man Utd have been linked with a move for the Belgian for several months and he has been touted as a possible long-term replacement for Casemiro.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder has suffered a decline this season and has only featured in eight Premier League games so far this campaign. He was also sent off in Man Utd’s 3-2 loss against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Man Utd, who may be without goalkeeper Andre Onana for several matches due to AFCON, want to add midfield reinforcements in 2024 following the failure of loan signing Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount’s early struggles.

Onana has been identified as a possible solution, but they now face major competition from Arsenal, who may be a more attractive option for the Everton man.