£33m Everton man opens up on desire of playing for ‘big club’ amid Chelsea interest

Signing Amadou Onana is arguably the best piece of transfer business Everton did in the summer. There have been glorious failures in the transfer market under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership but Onana’s transfer is one of the rare instances where the Toffees got it absolutely right.

The Belgian was signed from LOSC Lille for £33 million in the summer to provide energy in the midfield. He was one of the finest midfielders emerging from Ligue 1 and was snapped up by the Toffees. Since joining Everton, Onana has become an integral part of the midfield and an indispensable player first under Frank Lampard and now under Sean Dyche.

The 21 year old has played in all 23 games he was available, starting 21 of those and coming on as a substitute in two games. In 23 Premier League games, Onana just has a solitary goal and an assist but his dynamic presence in the midfield has been unmatched.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana dreams of playing for a ‘big club’ in the future

Of course, on some days Onana has struggled but currently, he is the best midfielder Everton have. His superb displays at Goodison Park have not gone unnoticed and Chelsea were one of the clubs showing interest in the Belgian. In the January transfer window, when Chelsea were looking at Enzo Fernandez alternatives, Onana did spring up as an option.

Chelsea did reach out to Everton to know the conditions of the deal but the player rejected the idea to move to Stamford Bridge as he wanted to help the Toffees in their relegation battle. Even Arsenal showed an interest in the 21 year old as they failed to complete their pursuit of Moises Caicedo.

In the summer, Onana could once again be wanted by the bigger clubs in the Premier League and Europe. The team with greater financial muscle could make an attempt and there wouldn’t be much that Everton could do if they fail to survive the relegation battle. Amid the interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, Onana has opened up about his aim for playing for a ‘big club’ in the future.

"I see myself having had a lot of life experiences, which will have made me learn a lot about human beings in general, as well as about myself. I see myself, God willing, at one of the biggest clubs recognised worldwide. (via Metro)"

Despite signing Feranadez, Chelsea will look for midfield reinforcements in the summer and Onana could be on the shortlist. Everton will have a tough task on their hands to keep hold of Onana, especially if big offers from elite clubs start to arrive.

Will Amadou Onana leave in the summer?