Amadou Onana: Manchester United Are Not In Race For Arsenal Target
Manchester United have been linked to Everton midfielder Amadou Onana for several months, but they are not in the race to sign him in the January Transfer Window. Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of the 22-year-old, with talks underway between the Gunners and Everton over a potential transfer
We understand Arsenal are firmly in the race to sign Onana, and could even wrap up a deal this month. Mikel Arteta is looking to add some more steel to his midfield due to the absence of Thomas Partey through injury, and Amadou Onana is someone Arsenal have admired for some time.
Everton is likely to sell several assets in January and the Summer Transfer Windows to try and get back within the good graces of FFP, and Onana is one of the players they can expect a decent fee
Arsenal Pushing For Amadou Onana:
We understand Arsenal are pushing for Amadou Onana, and are likely to try and sign him within the January window. United have had Onana on a list of potential midfielders over the last few months but were never likely to strike in the January Window for any big-name or big-money signings.
Arsenal are on a torrid run of form at the moment, and Mikel Arteta is open to the fact his team may need to spend to get back into the title race in the coming weeks. Thomas Partey is still some time away from being back to full fitness for the Gunners, so Amadou Onana is looking like someone Arsenal will turn to for a change of fortunes in their season.
Many have suggested a striker is needed to propel Arsenal above Manchester City, but Mikel Arteta has spoken in the past about midfield control being one of the most valuable things in football. He may feel the goals will start to flow from the front players.
Where Could United Turn?
If United are to miss out on Amadou Onana, Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord is likely to be the player they turn their attention to. Wieffer is a physically dominant profile like Onana and represents the type of player the Reds will need to boost the physicality of their midfield next season.
Too many times this season the United midfield has been criticised for its lack of athleticism in games against high-intensity opponents, and it’s something INEOS will be aware of when planning recruitment in the upcoming months. Wieffer has proven his class this season both in the Dutch League and the Champions League, and United have been watching him for some time.
Wieffer may be a better option for United due to his tendency to stay back on attacks. Onana sometimes likes to drift forward, which leaves space for teams on the transition if he is to play as the lone six for United.
The Dutch midfielder averages more tackles and interceptions combined per game (4.32) than Onana (3.42), but does win fewer tackles per 90 than the Belgian. The Feyenoord midfielder however is by far the most progressive of the two when it comes to passing, with 9.73 progressive passes per game compared to 4.73. This is something Erik ten Hag craves from a midfielder, and may pay homage to the fact United seem to be okay with losing the race for Amadou Onana.
A Dry January For United
The only business United is likely to do in January will be loan signings and potential outgoings. Anthony Martial has been linked with a move to Fenerbache, with talks between the clubs said to have taken place. The final decision may lie with the French forward as to whether he leaves the club.
In regards to incomings, Fabrizio Romano earlier revealed Manchester United are assessing their options in the market for a new striker. The club are talking to representatives of players, but are yet to approach any club with an offer. Serhou Guirassy is unlikely to sign for United this month due to his involvement in the AFCON with Guinea.
The summer window remains the more likely time for a midfield rebuild under INEOS for Manchester United, but Amadou Onana may not be on the market when the time comes if Arsenal complete his signing this month.
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