According to transfer insider Dean Jones (via GIVEMESPORT), Everton is in a favorable position to retain Amadou Onana this summer, despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
Although Onana joined Everton just last year, there were expectations that if the Toffees were relegated, the midfielder would seek a departure from Goodison Park.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly identified Onana as a target for the summer, as indicated by a report from Football Insider. The two London clubs have included the combative midfielder in their transfer shortlists and may pursue a move once the season concludes.
However, Everton’s successful last-minute efforts to secure Premier League survival have significantly bolstered their bargaining position. The report suggests that Sean Dyche’s team has set a substantial price tag of £70 million for the Belgian midfielder, showcasing their determination to retain his services.
This development comes less than a year after Onana’s arrival at Goodison Park in a deal worth £33 million, where he quickly endeared himself to the fans and became a favorite among them.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “One of the good things for Everton in all this is that at this moment in time I have not heard from any contacts that they understand Onana to be a top target for any other club.
“That’s important, because one of the big things for him at Everton is how important he is to the project and the bond he has built.
“If clubs are just looking towards him as a back-up option in case their main targets cannot be signed it may not have the same lure for him.
“We have seen how much he loves Everton and it will take a lot for him to walk away from it. There is interest from other teams, there’s no doubt about that, but Everton do have a good chance of keeping him for now.”