Arsenal could lose £50m transfer target due to Fulham stubbornness

Arsenal could be outmuscled to the signing of talented Everton midfielder Amadou Onana by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich this summer.

The Bavarians had been set on a move for robust Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha but the Cottagers have proven hard to negotiate with for a second summer running. The Portuguese international was due to make the switch to Bayern Munich in a £58 million transfer last summer.

However, Fulham failed to find a suitable replacement in time and that deal collapsed at the last moment. Palhinha returned to London and got his head down to put in an impressive campaign, even signing a new contract in September to keep him at the club in 2028.

Undeterred, Bayern Munich have come knocking once again this summer. It had been reported that the German outfit had agreed personal terms with Palhinha and started a flurry of bids, first a £30 million and then a £38 million offer as they fight to keep their key man.

Now, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich have turned their efforts to Everton midfielder Onana after being left frustrated by Fulham. The 22-year-old is currently representing Belgium at Euro 2024 and has been named as an Arsenal transfer target in recent months.

That could leave Mikel Arteta’s Gunners competing with Bayern Munich for the same midfield target, with the Germans clearly having money to spend.

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It's thought that a cash-strapped Everton could be forced to sell the player, who arrived at Goodison Park from Lille for £33 million in 2022. The Toffees are now said to want at least £50 million for the player’s services with some reports even suggesting the Merseyside club could look to drive that number up as high as £90 million.

While on international duty, Onana appeared to hint at interest in joining a side such as Arsenal or Bayern Munich. He told Dutch outlet Het Laatste Nieuws: "At previous tournaments, you have seen that the players who did well make the step up to the top clubs. That’s something I strive for. I feel like presenting myself to the European top and showing what I have to offer. This European Championship is a stage."