Premier League star's agent contacts Manchester United to offer Arsenal target as Casemiro replacement - Reports
Premier League giants Manchester United have been contacted by representatives of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, offering the Belgian to them as a replacement for Casemiro. According to reports from GiveMeSport, Onana's agents approached long-term suitors Arsenal and United 'to learn about their transfer plans' for the upcoming transfer window.
Onana joined the Toffees from French outfit LOSC Lille for a reported fee of €35 million in August 2022. He has become the fulcrum of Everton's midfield, holding his own against top EPL sides and attracting interest from a whole host of top European clubs.
He has bagged four goals and three assists in 72 appearances across all competitions for Sean Dyche's side. He has also appeared in 12 games for Belgium since his debut in June 2022, showcasing his quality for club and country.
Manchester United are likely to prioritize defensive signings in the upcoming window. Raphael Varane is set to leave, Harry Maguire is rumoured with a move away from the club and Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been sidelined with long-term injuries.
However, the arrival of a defensive midfielder will also be high on the Red Devils' wishlist. Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat's loan spell at Old Trafford is set to expire, with United unlikely to make a permanent move for him. Meanwhile, Casemiro has been increasingly linked with a move away from the club due to a poor string of performances over the last few weeks.
Onana's contract runs till the end of the 2026-27 season, which could make things tricky for Manchester United's new owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS. However, the Belgian ticks all the boxes, and would be a great addition to their squad if they make an official move for his services.
"I was sometimes left out" - Arsenal and Manchester United target Amadou Onana drops veiled hint about Everton exit
Manchester United and Arsenal target Amadou Onana has dropped a veiled hint about a potential exit from his current club Everton. In an interview with Belgian media outlet Nieuwsblad Sport, the 22-year-old said that his transfer fee will 'not be an issue' if a top club is interested in his services.
Onana also said that he was his own harshest critic, and that he was pushing himself to deliver for his country at EURO 2024. He said:
"I expect even more from myself than the outside world. In my last weeks at Everton I was sometimes left out of the team – a choice of the coach – but I look at that positively: I will soon be fresher."
"The European Championships are a wonderful platform to prove myself. You can put yourself in the spotlight. It has happened before that players do well at a major tournament and then make a transfer. I have no say in what transfer amount I can leave for. Oh well, if a top club is really convinced of my qualities, the asking price will not be an issue," Onana added.