HAPPENING NOW: Amadou Onana’s transfer to Arsenal is due to be completed, with the player expected to arrive for a physical soon. He will replace Thomas Partey, who is keen to join a Saudi team in January.

Arsenal is eyeing a January move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his team after a series of disappointing results. The Gunners, trailing five points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, are winless in their last three games and were eliminated from the FA Cup by Liverpool after squandering scoring opportunities from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Reiss Nelson.

While the focus has been on acquiring a prolific striker like Ivan Toney or Dusan Vlahovic, a surprising name in Onana has emerged. This interest stems from Arteta’s urgent need for midfield depth due to ongoing injury issues with Thomas Partey. Additionally, Onana’s standout performance in Everton’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal last season has not gone unnoticed.

Before that match, Arsenal was leading the league by five points, while Everton struggled with relegation concerns. However, Onana’s stellar display, including eight ball recoveries, five ground duels, four tackles, and two interceptions, played a pivotal role in Everton’s triumph. This standout performance has fueled speculation of a £50 million move to Arsenal, although Manchester United and other clubs are also expressing interest.

Adding to the intrigue, Onana’s sister and agent, Melissa, posted an Instagram story seemingly in London, intensifying the transfer rumors.