'Everyone knew': Arsenal were put off signing £50m Aston Villa player as he wanted guaranteed starts - insider
09/06/2024 05:45 AM
Arsenal signed a new midfielder this summer in the shape of Mikel Merino.
Merino has joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad, but the Gunners did have a few other options in mind before going for Merino.
Martin Zubimendi was strongly linked with Arsenal, while Amadou Onana was also a target for the Gunners.
Onana is shining at Aston Villa at the moment after his £50m move, but, in another world, he could've joined Arsenal.
Speaking on his Patreon, Arsenal insider, Team News and Ticks, has been discussing why Arsenal didn't sign Onana this summer.
According to the reporter, Arsenal didn't go for Onana because he wanted first-team football and he couldn't have that guarantee at the Emirates.
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Why Arsenal didn't sign Amadou Onana
The insider shared what he knows about Onana.
"His agent is a bit of a pain, his sister Melissa. Everyone knew he was available for a half ok fee, but he wanted to know if he'd start and Arsenal couldn't guarantee that," He said.
"He didn't want to be a bench player or a player who couldn't get in a rhythm. He's got a move to a Champions League club, but, no disrespect to Aston Villa, you imagine they're not going to be a Champions League club beyond this season."
Aston Villa move was perfect for Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana probably made the best possible move this summer.
He's joined a Champions League side with big ambitions, and he's working under a manager who has a track record of improving players when they make this kind of step up.
Onana is thriving at Aston Villa, and he's currently the first name on the team sheet in Unai Emery's team.
Arsenal seem to have missed out on a gem here, but if the Gunners couldn't offer him the minutes he needed, then this move wouldn't have been right for Onana.
