Mikel Arteta and Arsenal learn 'asking price' of transfer 'target'

Arsenal already know how much it will cost to land one of their midfield targets, according to a recent report. The Gunners are said to be keen to strengthen again this winter, but they know they need to work within a confined budget having spent well over £200million during the summer, leading them close to their Financial Fair Play limit.

A striker seems to be high on the wishlist of Mikel Arteta amid struggles in front of goal this term, particularly against teams with low blocks, but the Gunners are going to find it hard to sign one on the cheap in the winter window. Meanwhile, Arsenal are also being linked with a midfield signing.

Everton star Amadou Onana is said to be a target, with the 22-year-old having been superb for the Toffees this season, while he also played a key role in their survival bid last term. Though, like most in the January window, Onana would not be available on the cheap, with Everton well aware of both his importance to their campaign, and also of his potential, given he is still a young player.

According to Football Insider and others, the nine-time Belgium international would cost Arsenal £60million this winter, likely putting him out of reach due to FFP. And even if Edu finds a way to come up with the spending space to spend that much, it's almost certain the Gunners would prioritise the signing of a striker as they look to go one better than last season.

Arteta already has Declan Rice in the holding midfield role, a player who cost more than £100million during the summer. Thomas Partey also played in the holding role, and any investment in Onana, or indeed any player in that position, seems much more likely to come in the summer than in this window.