Arsenal target turns down Chelsea move but it's not good news for the Gunners

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has turned down a move to Chelsea, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has been one of Everton's few shining lights this season, earning interest from London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

Having already added plenty of firepower to their attack, in the form of Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix, the Blues are now keen to strengthen their midfield.

However, the Belgian looks as though he wants to stay in Merseyside after talks broke down between the two parties.

Onana snubs Chelsea

According to Foot Mercato and L’Equipe, Chelsea made an offer for Onana, who recently competed in the Qatar World Cup. However, the midfielder has rejected the club’s proposition.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Onana is keen to remain at relegation threatened Everton until the end of the season.

The news will come as a surprise to many after it emerged that Onana had missed training on Tuesday, along with team-mate Anthony Gordon, sparking speculation over his future.

However, Sky Sports reporter Vinny O'Connor reported that both players were "planned absences".

Arsenal enter race for Onana

Whilst Arsenal fans will revel in Chelsea's loss, the report will come as a blow to Mikel Arteta who is said to have identified Onana as a possible addition this January.

Journalist Graeme Bailey told 90min that the Gunners have 'been in touch' with the Everton midfielder, and revealed how much they would need to pay.

Bailey told the Talking Transfers podcast: "Intriguingly, they are considering letting Amadou Onana go, the midfielder who came for £33 million from Lille last summer. He’ll carry a price-tag of £50 million. Newcastle and Arsenal have both been in touch.

"I think we can confirm, neither of those are going to pay £50 million this month. One team we know probably would, and is thinking about it, is Chelsea."

Having already signed Brighton winger Leandro Trossard and Polish defender Jakub Kiwior this January, a midfield addition remains Arteta's last box to tick this January.

Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Chelsea, Everton, Graham Potter, Premier League, Football, Transfers

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno