Arsenal handed boost in pursuit of midfield target as PL rivals launch major bid

Arsenal have been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of Everton star Amadou Onana, with the Toffees reportedly making a bid to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The offer, as per Fabrizio Romano, is believed to be worth £40 million plus £5 million in add-ons.

Following the appointment of Sean Dyche as manager, strengthening the squad is a priority for Everton for the remainder of January. They sold Anthony Gordon to Newcastle on Sunday for a total fee of £45 million, and will now look to reinvest that money in the squad.

Gallagher was previously reported to be a target for former Toffees boss Frank Lampard, who briefly managed the midfielder during his time at Chelsea prior to a loan move to Crystal Palace.

But despite Lampard's exit, it appears Everton are still pressing ahead with a move, and that could be good news for Arsenal.

Arsenal keen on Everton star Onana

According to RMC Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Onana could leave Goodison Park in January after Frank Lampard's sacking.

Journalist Graeme Bailey recently told the Talking Transfers Podcast that Arsenal may still launch a bid for the Belgian international, who played for his country at the World Cup.

Those efforts may be strengthened by reports from Sky Sports of the club having a second bid rejected for Brighton star Moises Caicedo.

Speaking to Goodison News, former Everton striker Kevin Campbell says the Toffees need to try and keep Onana, but expects other teams to launch bids.

He said: "Teams know that Everton are strapped against FFP, so teams are probably going to chance their arm. If a new manager needs money, could Onana be the sacrificial piece?

"That's what other clubs are going to try to do. If you're Everton, he's a piece I don't think you can afford to let go, but teams are going to test the resolve."

Everton signed Onana from Lille in the summer for £33 million, and despite the club's struggles in the Premier League this season, the midfielder has been one of the more impressive Toffees players this term.

It remains to be seen whether a big bid can test their resolve, however, with just over a day remaining in the transfer market - but the signing of Gallagher could open the door for a Goodison Park exit for Onana.