Arsenal aiming to beat Barcelona to midfield transfer deal?

Arsenal are reportedly leading Barcelona in the race to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana next month.

The Gunners have been keeping tabs on the Belgian since the start of January. They tried to sign him without any success last winter.

In the summer, the club focused on deals for Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, but they are now preparing to return for his services.

Everton are willing to accept around £42m and it is claimed that Arsenal have the upper hand over the Blaugrana in the pursuit.

The La Liga giants can't afford an outright deal at the moment with FFP concerns and they are only eyeing a loan move.

This has handed advantage to the Gunners and it is left to be seen whether they can convince the Toffees into an agreement.

The Gunners are unlikely to pay the entire fee in one payment and may propose a long-term plan with FFP on their minds too.