Spurs have reportedly joined North London Derby rivals in the race to sign Amadou Onana this summer.
The Everton midfielder, who is a regular for Belgium, only joined the Toffees in summer 2022, signing from Lille for £33m.
Onana, like Jordan Pickford, may be up for sale this summer, as Everton’s financial struggles continue, with the Toffees asking price reportedly £45m.
Onana transfer: Tottenham bound?
According to recent reports, Ange Postecoglu sees the athletic midfielder as the perfect successor to Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
Tottenham have a long-term record of poaching the Toffees’ stars. The Lilywhites have signed Steven Pienaar, Louis Saha and most recently Richarlison. They even signed former Sheffield United pair Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United from under Everton’s nose in 2009
Spurs are a good fit for 22-year-old Onana for several reasons. Firstly, Onana’s speed, strength and engine are perfect for Ange Postecoglu’s bombastic style, as he can cover great distances, not dissimilar to Micky van de Ven.
Secondly, the Belgium international will get more guaranteed game time at Spurs than elsewhere.
Onana would also help Spurs’ recent set-piece woes, adding height to their corners and free-kicks. Finally, Spurs’ attacking play will give Onana the platform and freedom to continue to develop his attacking game, which has shown promise.
Onana transfer: Agent Trossard?
Spurs will face stiff competition, however, with rivals Arsenal holding a long-term interest.
According to David Ornstein, the Gunners are in the market for a player who can play as #6 or an #8. Though Bruno Guimaraes has been strongly linked, if Arsenal want to sign a top-of-the-range striker, such as Alexander Isak, they might need a cheaper alternative.
Onana would also have the chance to play with his international teammate, Leandro Trossard, who has settled incredibly well since his own move to North London just over a year ago. Perhaps the diminutive Belgian could sway his towering teammate to the red side of North London.
The role Onana would take up at Arsenal is an interesting one. In big games, Mikel Arteta could pair the big Belgian with Declan Rice, to create a midfield duo capable of bullying anyone.
Alternatively, when Arsenal play weaker sides, Onana could also allow Rice a rest, covering his role at the base of midfield with two more attacking midfielders ahead of him.
