Arsenal are interested in signing Everton star Amadou Onana - and Frank Lampard's reported departure from Goodison Park could make a shock deal possible, according to a new report.
Lampard was sacked as Toffees boss earlier today, as per multiple reports, with the club joint-bottom of the Premier League and two points away from safety - although Everton are still yet to officially confirm the news.
They have failed to win any of their last eight games in all competitions, and Lampard's last match in charge is set to be Saturday's 2-0 defeat to West Ham.
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Although the Toffees controlled the bulk of the possession, they showed little quality in attack and made mistakes defensively as Jarrod Bowen netted a brace for the home side.
Despite the poor form, however, one player who has stood out as a major positive for Everton has been Onana. Signed from French side Lille in the summer, the 21-year-old has made 18 league appearances, and is seen as a future star of the Belgian national team.
He was brought to the club under Lampard in a marquee signing for Everton - but a new report suggests his future is uncertain.
Arsenal keen on signing Onana
According to RMC Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the departure of the former Chelsea midfielder has 'open[ed] the door' to a potential Everton exit for Onana in January.
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The same journalist claims that both the Blues and Arsenal are interested in signing the Belgium international, who ranks in the top 10 of Premier League midfielders for tackles completed per 90 minutes this season, as per WhoScored.
It is reported that Chelsea and Arsenal want a midfielder with a similar profile to Onana, and he could be the ideal signing for either side in January.
Mikel Arteta's side, also as per Tavolieri (via Football-Talk), were in talks with the midfielder's agents in the summer, and could go back in with another attempt.
However, Everton spent £33 million on the Belgian, and the player would likely now command a much higher fee based on his Premier League performances.
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In addition, with the Toffees battling to avoid playing second tier football for the first time since 1954, Onana will be a vital player for the remainder of the season - and the club will no doubt be desperate to keep one of their star assets at Goodison Park, with relatively little time to source a replacement.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Premier League, Everton, Arsenal, Transfers