Everton Midfielder Amadou Onana Rejects Chelsea’s January Approach

Everton Midfielder Amadou Onana Rejects Chelsea’s January Approach

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM
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  • Chelsea's continued search for a new midfielder in January has struck the rocks once again
  • The Blues prioritised Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo but failed to reach any agreements
  • The recent failure with an Everton midfielder is one that delights the fans of the London club

Chelsea's spending spree is certainly far from over, with some key positions yet to be filled and less than six days left in the January transfer window.

Club co-owner, Todd Boehly has prioritised two players in the defensive midfield but negotiations have proved costly and difficult, leading to a halt in pursuit of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica and Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

Amadou Onana, Everton, Chelsea, transfer, Premier League, Goodison Park.
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has rejected Chelsea's offer. Photo by James Williamson.
Source: Getty Images

The Blues turned to Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, who joined the Toffees at the beginning of the season for £30-million from Lille. His current club rate him at £50m, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

Onana rejects Chelsea's approach

According to reports in Belgium, the 21-year-old has turned down an offer from Chelsea and reportedly wants to focus on helping Everton avoid relegation this season, as reported by Het Nieuwsblad.

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As reported by Express, Premier League leaders Arsenal are also interested in the Belgian midfielder to provide cover for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, but would have to wait until the summer.

Onana rejection: Chelsea fans react

If the reactions of Blues fans are anything to go by, they don't rate the Everton midfielder highly and do not want him wearing the colours of their club, with many claiming he is not better than their existing players.

@Blue_Footy wrote:

@chelsea_sense wrote:

"Good. No need for this when we should be focusing on midfield in the summer. Brazilian kid deserves a chance and we have Kante/Zak to return too. If 1 or 2 choices are not available then wait until July"

@OhenebaOb wrote:

"I don't know why Chelsea is disturbing us with these average players whiles they can go in for a better player like Salis in the French league 1, so far he's the best defensive midfielder in league 1,which we can just go in for a lesser price."

According to Evening Standard, Chelsea's options to strengthen their midfield positions are limited at this point, and unless something dramatic happens, no midfielder may walk into Cobham.

Chelsea to miss on Gusto

The Blues have also suffered another heartbreak in pursuit of 19-year old right-back, Malo Gusto from Olympique Lyonnais, who they are actively trying to sign to reduce the load on Reece James.

Malo Gusto, Santi Aulas, Lyon, Reece James, Ligue 1, transfers.
Lyon president Santi Aulas confirms Chelsea target Malo Gusto will stay in France until the end of the season. Photo by Philippe Lecoeur.
Source: Getty Images

Club president, Santi Aulas confirmed on Twitter that the defender would stay at the club until the summer at least.

Part of his tweet is translated as follows: "I have pleasure in... specifying that [Gusto], a great hope for [Lyon], will continue to play with [the club] until at least [June 30, 2023]."

Chelsea to offload 'flop' Bakayoko

In another Chelsea transfer development, the Blues are set to offload Tiemoue Bakayoko after six years at the club, much of which he spent on loan in Italy.

Turkish club Adana Demirspor are interested in the Frenchman and have reached an agreement with the English side, who are willing to let him go for free.

However, Bakayako is yet to agree personal terms on the deal, having refused an initial salary offer of €3-million per year, Sports Brief also reported.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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