Arsenal is facing difficulties in securing the services of Amadou Onana, while Conor Gallagher contemplates leaving Chelsea.

Arsenal Struggle to Secure Onana

In a challenging turn of events, Arsenal is facing difficulties in their pursuit of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, according to The Mirror. Despite Everton’s willingness to sell, Arsenal’s own financial constraints are hindering any potential deal.

The Gunners have yet to initiate talks with Everton regarding a January transfer for the 22-year-old powerhouse. Reports in Belgium have suggested that discussions are underway, but Mirror Football has clarified that this is not the case.

Arsenal’s financial limitations, resulting from their previous transfer spree, make a big-money move for Onana currently unfeasible, even though he would undoubtedly enhance their midfield options.

Gallagher Reluctant to Leave Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur has shown interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, as reported by The Sun. However, Gallagher himself is not keen on leaving his boyhood club, despite the lack of agreement on fresh terms for his future.

The 18-months remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge have not deterred speculation surrounding a potential move away, with Tottenham being the interested party. Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly discussed Gallagher’s future, but the player’s loyalty to Chelsea remains steadfast.

Chelsea Chase Wonderkid

Chelsea has set their sights on 17-year-old Accra Lions defender David Odura, according to The Evening Standard. The Ghanaian left-back is currently on trial with the London club, but faces competition from other European teams, including Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Sociedad.

Odura underwent fitness testing at Cobham before training with Chelsea’s academy. The technically proficient defender has already amassed 40 appearances in the Ghana Premier League and is a current Under-20 international.

It remains uncertain whether Chelsea will secure Odura permanently or if he can obtain a work permit before his 18th birthday in June. The club’s new owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, are increasingly focused on the African market.

Chelsea Hope to Increase Maatsen Value Ahead of Sale

Chelsea is planning to sell Ian Maatsen but aims to boost his transfer value through a loan move to Borussia Dortmund. The full-back is on the verge of joining the Bundesliga side for the remainder of the season, with the possibility of a permanent stay.

The Telegraph reports that Borussia Dortmund will pay Chelsea approximately £2 million for the loan deal. Maatsen, a left-back, is also expected to extend his Chelsea contract until 2027, giving the club a strong position for negotiations over a permanent sale in the summer. However, the new contract is believed to include a release clause.

Chelsea is hopeful that Maatsen’s value will soar in Germany, following in the footsteps of players like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham. This has prompted the club to allow the loan move for a relatively modest fee, with the intention of cashing in at the end of the season.

Maatsen was omitted from Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough, as he prepares to finalize his loan switch to Dortmund. The 21-year-old, who rejected a move back to Burnley last summer, will undergo a medical and agree to personal terms before the loan move is officially completed.

Although Maatsen’s Chelsea contract was nearing its end, the club is expected to extend it in order to facilitate a permanent sale in the summer.