Arsenal’s pursuit of Everton’s Amadou Onana is a tough challenge, with financial issues and Everton’s high demands in focus.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has intensified, but their ability to finalise a deal is under scrutiny.

Reports from Belgium suggest that while talks are ongoing, the financial feasibility of the transfer is in question, casting doubt on Arsenal’s ability to secure Onana’s signature.

Amidst speculation about the futures of midfielders Jorginho, Mohamed Elneny, and Thomas Partey at Arsenal, the club sees Onana as a potential key addition.

However, Everton’s valuation of Onana poses a significant challenge.

The Merseyside club, having signed Onana for €35m from Lille in August 2022, now demands more than €50m. This price is partly driven by Everton’s need to balance their books, especially considering their recent financial difficulties and scrutiny from the Premier League.

Adding to the complexity, Arsenal faces its own financial constraints.

According to DH Les Sports+, Arsenal has a negative balance of €471m over the past three years, largely due to high transfer expenditures and unable to get a decent fee for most players they’ve sold. Manager Mikel Arteta has hinted at these limitations, indicating that the club might not have sufficient funds for a straightforward purchase.

Given these financial limitations, Arsenal may have to consider alternative transfer arrangements, such as a loan with an option to buy, similar to the deal for David Raya in the summer.

However, such a formula appears improbable as it offers little benefit to Everton.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that intensive talks are taking place, with Onana reportedly eager to stay in the Premier League and prioritising a move to Arsenal.

Nieuwsblad Sport’s Pieter-Jan Calcoen adds that Arsenal is contemplating a January bid, with Everton seeking around €60m (£51.7m).

Arsenal’s interest in Onana is not new.

In 2022, when Onana was at Lille, the club had discussions with his representatives.

Though Onana eventually joined Everton, Arsenal’s interest resurfaced in January 2023.

With midfielders in their thirties and the need for long-term solutions, Arsenal’s pursuit of Onana seems a strategic fit.