Everton could soon lose £60m ‘monster’ to big Prem rivals after ‘intensive’ talks

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Everton, given their current financial climate, boast little to no bargaining power when it comes to holding onto their prized assets.

Frustratingly, they boast quite a few at the moment, who are quickly gathering more and more interest as they continue to perform for a weak Toffees outfit.

The likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana have reached levels way above the relegation battles they have been forced to endure, and so few could begrudge them for wanting to progress their sparkling young careers.

However, in departing Goodison Park, the least fans will command is a hefty fee to at least ease their troubles.

Fortunately, with Arsenal reportedly sniffing around their Belgian maestro, the presence of a top Premier League club is only set to hike the price higher.

With some reports touting a £60m valuation, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has since taken to X to write the following: ‘Talks intensive currently ongoing between #EvertonFC & #ArsenalFC for Amadou Onana. The Belgian midfielder’s – who has always put his priority to stay in Premier League – keen on the move. Things could develop quickly…’.

How important is Amadou Onana for Everton?

Despite his youth, the 22-year-old midfielder’s importance to Sean Dyche’s system cannot be understated, even if he is often the target of fans’ frustrations after a loss.

After all, given his immense physique, and a technical skillset that truly sets him apart, many expect the youngster to dominate matches forgetting that this is just his second year in English football.

So, he should instead be celebrated rather than lambasted, given he offers the bulk of their creativity from deep whilst blending it with a steely defensive work rate that never relents.

This is no greater exemplified than through his figures in the Premier League this season, as Onana’s 85% pass accuracy marks the best in the entire squad. Then, to pair that with 0.6 key passes and 2.6 tackles per game, and it quickly becomes clear how he has earned his 7.11 average rating, via Sofascore.

Given he has already been branded a ‘monster’, these statistics only lend to such a notion, as the 6 foot 4 enforcer patrols his back four with impressive prowess for someone still so inexperienced.

No doubt, were he to move to a top possession-based team like Arsenal, he would thrive, as someone with that touch of class always looking to try something different.

However, his exit must only be allowed if the fee they receive could massively offset some of their financial ailments.