Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this summer.
The 22-year-old allegedly turned down a move to West Ham United before completing a £33.5m switch to Goodison Park from Lille in August 2022.
Onana has since become a key player for the Toffees and has made a total of 66 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
The 6ft 4in defensive midfielder, who has been capped 11 times by Belgium, is under contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2027.
However, Onana has been tipped to depart Everton ahead of the 2024-25 campaign amid reported interest from a host of top European clubs.
© Reuters
Amadou Onana wanted by Man United, Arsenal
Earlier this year, it was reported that both Man United and Arsenal are preparing to make offers for Onana in the early stages of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils, in particular, have been tipped to bolster their midfield options ahead of next season amid uncertainty over the futures of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat.
Arsenal could also be in the market for midfield reinforcements if they decide to part ways with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, who have both been linked with exits from the Emirates Stadium.
Both Man United and Arsenal could face competition for the signature of Onana, though, as Barcelona are said to have a strong interest in the Belgian, while Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham are three other clubs that have been credited with an interest.
© Reuters
Amadou Onana 'set to leave Everton this summer'
Clubs interested in Onana have seemingly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Onana, as Football Insider reports that the midfielder is "likely" to leave Everton this summer.
The report adds that the Toffees currently value Onana between £50m and £60m, but their asking price is set to vary this summer depending on when prospective clubs submit their offers.
After announcing losses of over £89m for the financial year covering 2022-23, Everton are under significant pressure to balance their books and may be forced to sell some of their star players.
It was confirmed on Monday that the Toffees have been hit with a new two-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
Sean Dyche's side, who were previously deducted 10 points before seeing their penalty reduced to six on appeal, have slipped to 16th in the Premier League table and sit just two points above the relegation zone with seven games left to play.
Oliver Thomas
