Arteta given three reasons not to sign Onana as Arsenal title prediction made

Arsenal have been told three reasons not to sign Amadou Onana this month. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently as Mikel Arteta hopes to further bolster his midfield during the January transfer window.

football.london understands that the Gunners have been exploring a potential deal to sign Onana, who is valued by Everton at around £50million. The Belgium international has featured 16 times for the Toffees in the Premier League this season, helping Sean Dyche's side climb out of the relegation zone despite a 10-point deduction in November.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will lodge a bid this month, but Arteta's interest in Onana comes amid the extended absence of Thomas Partey, who's been nursing an injury, and some unconvincing performances from Kai Havertz. While many supporters may be eager to see him pull on a red shirt, Mikael Silvestre isn't convinced that the Everton ace will boost the north Londoners' title chances.

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League table with 45 points after 20 games. In second and third are Manchester City and Aston Villa on 43 points with just a nine-goal difference separating the two clubs.

However, the reigning champions have a game in hand. As do the Gunners, who are fourth with 40 points. Speaking to bettingexpert.com, former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre said: "He’s (Onana) improved a lot. I’m not sure he’s at the level to improve the current squad.

"If you’re chasing the Premier League title with City and with Liverpool, I don’t think he’s fully ready to improve the midfield. He still has some work to do. Number one would be concentration.

"Sometimes he loses the ball too easily and his decision making is not 100% there yet. It’s a bit too early for him to be a contender in midfield for Arsenal."

When quizzed on Arsenal's plans for the January transfer window, Arteta remained coy. He said: "What I beg from the supporters is that they are behind the team like they have been in difficult moments.

"Stick behind the ones that we have. They are incredibly good. If not then they don’t do what they’ve done today and in Anfield. Stick by them. That’s exactly what they need. Then they feel important and supported. With their attitude they don’t deserve anything different. That’s my opinion."