Arsenal has unsurprisingly been linked with numerous central midfielders since narrowly missing out on the Premier League title. There has been ongoing debate about whether the priority should be a left-sided 8, with Havertz moving further forward, or a defensive midfielder, with Rice moving into the position vacated by the German. Initially, many supporters, myself included, favored investing in a world-class left 8 to allow Rice to return to his early-season 6 role. However, after seeing the effectiveness of a freer Declan, my views have shifted.
If, as expected, Partey leaves this summer, my current opinion is that Arsenal should invest in another player like Declan Rice who can operate in both roles. Watching our record signing, alongside captain Odegaard, elevate the team, I am convinced that combining height, strength, ball-carrying ability, and a football brain to complement the master is the way forward. This combination was evident in the season’s final stretch, with Partey preferred over Jorginho, showing Arteta’s preference despite being deprived of this setup for most of the campaign.
While I am a huge fan of Douglas Luiz, it is the potential acquisition of Amadou Onana that excites me the most. Here are 10 reasons why:
1. **Correct age profile**: Turning 23 at the start of the new season, the Everton player fits the age profile sought by Arteta and Edu. He has experience but still can develop under Mikel’s guidance, with his prime years to be spent in an Arsenal shirt.
2. **Premier League ready**: Onana has three years of experience in this unforgiving league, which Zubamendi, for example, does not have. Hitting the ground running is crucial, especially when City has been slow starters for the past few seasons.
3. **Aerial dominance in midfield**: Onana is a beast in the air, and playing at 6 in front of our central defense will relieve pressure.
4. **Offensive aerial dominance**: The Belgian excels in attacking set pieces. With Nicholas Jover ensuring continued innovation from corners and free-kicks, this is a significant advantage. Moreover, we have lost Rice as a threat since he took over left-sided corners from Martinelli.
5. **Ball carrying**: Like Rice, Onana is a strong ball carrier. This ability, which we have seen with Rice and previously with Vieira, can quickly relieve pressure and turn defense into attack.
6. **Aggressive and front-footed**: Onana is equally adept at winning the ball in a tackle or intercepting it. He will swiftly transition with his head up, a skill Rice quickly learned is essential in an Arteta team.
7. **Passing**: While not quite at Rice’s 90% pass completion level, Onana was at 85% in the Premier League in 2023/24. Considering he played in a struggling team with less intelligent movement than Arsenal, this level is impressive. He also averages two long passes per match, similar to Rice.
8. **Tactical flexibility**: A significant advantage for Arteta in pairing Onana and Rice is the tactical options it provides. Onana can operate as a sole pivot in the current 4-1-2-3, interchange with Rice in-game, or in certain matches, play alongside Rice in a 4-2-3-1. In the latter scenario, if Onana moves forward or carries the ball into attack, Rice will drop and sit, showcasing his intelligence and flexibility. The size and athleticism of both players evoke memories of Vieira and Gilberto.
9. **Freedom at fullback**: Dominance in midfield would free up the left-back position, or occasionally the right-back, from needing to step into midfield. As seen in the latter part of last season, the ‘Zinchenko’ role has been required less, and Onana with Rice might make it redundant, freeing the left-back to support Martinelli/Trossard more.
10. **The price is right**: While Onana has been valued at £70/80 million, Everton’s need to sell to stay within FFP parameters could bring the price closer to £50/60 million. This would fit Arsenal’s budget and leave funds to strengthen elsewhere.
In short, I would be very excited if Amadou Onana becomes an Arsenal player, whether before or after the Euros. What do you think?
