Everton star Amadou Onana SNUBS Chelsea transfer interest leaving door open for Arsenal to sign £50m-rated midfielder

claimed that , who were desperate to sign a midfielder this month, have shown an interest.

This comes despite Everton wanting to keep Onana, although they do have financial problems due to FFP.

But French outlet now believe the 21-year-old has decided against a Stamford Bridge switch.

That could open the door for Arsenal, who are reportedly interested in the midfielder following an injury to Mohamed Elneny.

The report claims the Gunners have contacted Everton over his services.

But Onana only joined in the summer window and the Toffees have therefore set an asking price of £50m.

Mikel Arteta has already added to his squad with the signings of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior, but he still wants to bolster his midfield.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have been the Spaniard's starting pair this season, but Arteta only has Albert Sambi Lokonga as backup.

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And while the Premier League tops Arsenal's priority list, they're still in two other competitions.

They travel to Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday and are waiting to discover their last 16 opponents in the Europa League.

The trip to the Etihad could see Trossard make his full Gunners debut after he was a late substitute in Sunday's win over Manchester United.

He missed Brighton's third round victory at Middlesbrough earlier this month, which means he is NOT cup tied and therefore eligible to play.