Arsenal close to agreement for £50m Premier League ace: report

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Arsenal are in talks with a Premier League star over a major move which could shake up Mikel Arteta's side

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the touchline against Wolves
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal are closing in on an agreement for a Premier League star, as Mikel Arteta looks to get his title assault back on track.

The Gunners were top of the table on Christmas Day and fourth by New Year's Day – and have won just once in their last seven games in all competitions. Injuries and absences have left the squad looking a little thin in recent weeks, while Financial Fair Play concerns have limited what they can do this month in the transfer window.

But Arsenal are now looking close to signing a new star with plenty of experience in English football, as Arteta seeks to add quality to his side. 

Declan Rice of Arsenal looks dejected after the team's defeat in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 07, 2024 in London, England. Arsenal wear an all-white kit at home, for the first time in the club's history, in support of the 'No More Red' campaign against knife crime and youth violence.

Arsenal have had a tough few weeks (Image credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Journalist Ekrem Konur has claimed that personal terms are "close" for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

While this is positive news for Arteta, however, that may well be the easy bit: Arsenal are still in talks with Everton over a fee, which could take them over the delicate FFP threshold that they're currently balancing.

David Raya moved to north London on loan over the summer, with an option to buy, due to financial constraints – and unless the Gunners sell players before June 30, they could risk breaching these regulations. 

Everton's Amadou Onana applauds the fans after his side's Carabao Cup clash against Burnley in November 2023.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Everton, meanwhile, have FFP troubles, too. They will likely demand a big fee for the Belgian – though may be open to a sale in order to strengthen their squad elsewhere. 

Onana is valued at €50 million by Transfermarkt. 

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal may have to aim for alternative striker targets after being dealt a double blow in their pursuit of two big names.

But the Gunners could be about to sign a highly-rated European wonderkid.

And a Manchester City star has been linked with a move to north London.

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.