By Pranav Shahaney

3rd Jul, 2022 | 1:45pm

View: Midfield colossus Amadou Onana would be ideal for Arsenal

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with the representatives of Lille midfielder Amadou Onana over a potential summer move.

According to RMC Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Gunners will be battled by two London clubs for the services of the 20-year-old.

The 6ft 5in. midfielder moved to Ligue 1 from Hamburg only a year ago for a fee of £6million and could once again be on his way out in the coming weeks.

Via Twitter, Tavolieri wrote, “Total suspense for the future of Amadou Onana While #Arsenal have been interested and have already met the entourage of the player, the midfielder of LOSC also arouses the keen interest of other London clubs in the Premier League.”

Interest in the 20-year-old is increasing so the Gunners need to snap up his services as soon as possible.

They do not have a midfield destroyer who can shield the back line and ensure the likes of Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard have fewer defensive responsibilities.

Sambi Lokinga and Granit Xhaka have done that in the past, but they’ve been underwhelming and Onana would be an upgrade on them and would also be a good long-term investment.

One can see his numbers in terms of tackles, interceptions, clearances and aerial duels won – suggesting that he’s the typical defensive midfielder that Mikel Arteta is looking for.

His 3.45 tackles per game put him in the top six per cent of midfielders among Europe’s top leagues which is staggering and he should be proud of this feat.

In other Arsenal news, Khayon Edwards signs a long-term deal at the Emirates.