Amadou Onana confirms transfer deadline plan amid Arsenal and Chelsea links

Amadou Onana has put Arsenal and Chelsea on red alert by revealing he wants to join an ‘international world club’. The 22-year-old midfielder has been previously linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge following impressive performances for Everton.

Playing a key role in Sean Dyche’s side, Onana featured 30 times in the Premier League this season, helping the Toffees escape relegation. Everton were deducted six points and then a further two points following two separate breaches of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs), yet the Belgium international steered them to safety.

Onana earned a call-up to the Belgium squad for his efforts, and he’s hoping to play himself into the shop window at Euro 2024. Speaking to Dutch publication Het Laatste Nieuws ahead of the tournament this summer, he outlined his desire to perform on the international stage.

“At previous tournaments you have seen that the players who did well make the step up to the top clubs,” said Onana, as quoted by the Evening Standard. “That’s something I strive for. I feel like presenting myself to the European top and showing what I have to offer. This European Championship is a stage.”

Then, in an interview with German newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt, the Everton midfielder revealed his two career goals, saying: “I want to be a much better player. And my goal is to play for an international world club in three years.

“I also want to have qualified with Belgium for the 2026 World Cup in America in three years. I dream about that. And I will do everything I can to make these dreams come true too. I have to and will answer this very professionally.

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“I’m under contract with Everton – and I’ll leave everything else to the media. I’ll just do my best at the European Championships and then we’ll see…”

In January, football.london understood that Arsenal were exploring a potential deal to sign Onana, with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his options in the middle of the park. Despite hopes of strengthening his squad over the festive period, the Gunners didn’t welcome any new faces to London Colney.