Arsenal struggle to land Amadou Onana as Conor Gallagher considers Chelsea exit – Paper Round

The Mirror reports that Arsenal will find it tough to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this winter.

That is despite Everton’s willingness to sell despite their own financial problems in recent years, because Arsenal need to balance the books themselves.

“While the 22-year-old midfield powerhouse is a player that has been tracked by the Gunners, there has been no active movement regarding a January transfer at this moment in time. Reports in Belgium have been peddling that discussions are now underway between the two clubs but Mirror Football understands that is not the case.

“It is no secret that Arsenal have been hamstrung by Financial Fair Play regulations following a £208million transfer spree last summer and their net spend has amounted to nearly £400million in the past three calendar years. They are therefore operating diligently this month.

“As such, a big-money transfer for Onana does not currently seem feasible – even if he would immediately improve their options in the middle of the park.”

The Sun believes that Tottenham are keen on Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has a year and a half left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge.

However, the player does not want to leave Chelsea despite fresh terms not being agreed for his future.

“But it has not stopped speculation linking him with a move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer, with Tottenham interested.

“Gallagher does not want to leave his boyhood club but his future has been discussed by ex-Spurs manager Pochettino.”

Chelsea are keen on David Odura, the 17-year-old Accra Lions defender. He is wanted by a host of other teams across Europe.

The Evening Standard reports that the teenager is on trial with the London club, but there is also interest from Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Sociedad.

“The 17-year-old Accra Lions defender went through a round of fitness testing at Cobham on Tuesday before training with the academy.

“Oduro is preparing to move to Europe and has interest from a host of clubs including Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Sociedad.

“Chelsea have secured an early look at the technically proficient defender, who has also already played 40 matches in the Ghana Premier League and is a current Under-20 international.

“It remains unclear whether the Blues will sign Oduro permanently or if the youngster can secure a work permit before his 18th birthday in June.

“Chelsea are taking the African market increasingly seriously under new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.”

Chelsea are planning on selling Ian Maatsen but want to use his loan move to Borussia Dortmund to increase his transfer value.

The full-back is close to a move to the Bundesliga for the rest of the season, but he may remain at the club at the end of the loan.

“Maatsen, a left back, is also due to extend his Chelsea contract until 2027 to put the club in a strong negotiating position over a permanent sale in the summer, although the new contract is thought to contain a release clause.

“Having seen players such as Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham shine at Dortmund and attract big-money moves, Chelsea believe Maatsen’s value could soar in Germany. That has convinced the club to allow him to move to Germany for a relatively modest loan fee in the hope that they will be able to cash in at the end of the season.

“Maatsen was due to travel to Germany on Tuesday to complete his loan switch and was left out of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough.

“The 21-year-old, who turned down a move back to Burnley last summer, will agree personal terms and undergo a medical before his loan move to Dortmund is formally completed.

“Maatsen was nearing the end of his Chelsea contract, but the club are expected to agree an extension with the idea of selling him permanently in the summer.”