Arsenal want £60m midfielder but insignificant ‘problem’ means Arteta could sell fan favourite

This means a summer transfer is a lot more likely, although Everton would sell Onana for the right price this month.

If Arteta is desperate to bring in a new player in January, he will likely try to sell Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe or Aaron Ramsdale.

Smith Rowe looks like the most likely victim. He has found minutes very hard to come by over the last 18 months.

Injuries have held him back but when fit, he is an unused substitute more often than not.

His departure will not go down well with the Emirates faithful, who adore the Hale End graduate.

Meanwhile, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka could be brought in as a replacement for Onana.

Onyeka joined the Bees in July 2021 and has failed to become a regular starter under Thomas Frank.

Guardian journalist Ed Aarons says the Toffees and Fulham are both looking at the Nigerian international – who has been called up for this month’s African Cup of Nations.

Having signed a new contract last summer, the 26-year-old would cost around £20m, which Everton surely cannot afford without player sales.

Should Onyeka leave Brentford, Frank will look to sign Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi from Marseille, Aarons adds.