Barcelona interested in Everton midfield enforcer but will have to shell out €50 million+

Despite having one of the strongest midfield cores in the world right now in the form of Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi, Barcelona are pursuing the signature of another midfielder.

Gavi picked up an ACL injury in November, that ruled him out for the rest of the season, and possibly the 2024 European Championship. Joan Laporta confirmed the club’s desire to sign another midfielder to replace him in January, if FFP space allows for it.

Options are limited, though, with not many quality teams ready to let players go in the middle of the season. Barcelona cannot invest too much money, either, given their financial problems.

As such, one of the players they have chosen to target for next summer is Everton’s Amadou Onana. Capable of playing as a no. 6 and 8, Barcelona are fans of his profile, mostly because of his ball-winning ability.

However, Everton will not let him go cheap.

The Toffees want at least €50 million

Everton understand and know Onana’s worth, and will only allow him to leave if an offer worth around €50 million comes in for him, as per a report by MARCA. The price is reasonable enough for Barcelona, but they will need to make space in their wage bill by raising money through player sales.

They have, however, also kept their options open, and are still targeting a move for Martin Zubimendi, who will cost at least €60 million. Joshua Kimmich also remains on their radar, as Bayern Munich are considering pursuing Zubimendi themselves.

Manchester United also in race

Previous reports have stated that Manchester United are also in the race to sign him, and will likely more easily pursue his €50 million price tag than Barcelona.

Arsenal, too, have Onana on their radar as an alternative to Douglas Luiz as they look to ship Thomas Partey off the club as soon as possible.