Everton have slapped a £60million asking price on Amadou Onana in January, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that Arsenal are exploring a potential deal for the midfielder this winter, but the Toffees do not want to lose him this month as he is seen as crucial to Sean Dyche’s team.
However, as revealed by Football Insider (17 December), the Gunners have made Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz their top target for 2024 although they will have to wait until the summer as a January deal is out of the question.
Mikel Arteta’s side are laying the groundwork to pursue the Brazilian after his excellent performances under Unai Emery.
Any prospective buyer for Onana would need to offer a near-club record Everton fee to prize the 22-year-old away from Goodison Park.
The Toffees’ record sale remains Romelu Lukaku’s reported £75million move to Man United in the summer of 2017, but a similar fee would have to be met to secure Onana’s services.
Onana has been a standout performer for Everton this season despite their early season woes and the setbacks caused by their historic 10-point deduction in November.
Dyche has fielded the Belgian international in every game he has been available this season in all competitions.
He has impressed from defensive midfield across 21 appearances and has notched two goals and one assist.
Sources have also told Football Insider (4 January) that Atalanta’s bid to sign defender Ben Godfrey has collapsed due to the tax break abolishment in Italy.
Everton sit 17th in the Premier League table following three consecutive defeats and next face Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Sunday (14 January).
In other news, Kieran Maguire shares transfer ban verdict as Everton face new blow.
