Chelsea: £50 million midfielder could be a cheaper alternative to Moises Caicedo

Chelsea have been pushing to sign a midfielder this month and despite being linked to colossal names, there has been little success in getting a deal over the line. While they continue to be associated with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has emerged as an alternative.

Chelsea have already spent over £180 million in the winter transfer window and are still eyeing a midfielder. Caicedo is going to cost around £90 million and CFC will have to win the battle against Arsenal, in order to sign the Ecuadorian. Fernandez’s situation is simple. As soon as CFC are willing to trigger the £106 million release clause, Benfica will be happy to let the Argentine leave. The Portuguese side are unwilling to do business unless the release clause is met.

The Blues have looked at other options in the market and view Everton midfielder Amadou Onana as an alternative. If Fernandez and Caicedo are Plan A and Plan B, Onana is Plan C and CFC have explored the idea of signing him in January in the midst of Everton turmoil. The Merseysiders are in deep trouble as they sit 19th in the Premier League table and have sacked Frank Lampard. Given the uncertainty, Chelsea hoped to take advantage and lure Onana to Stamford Bridge.

Onana was signed by Everton in the summer for a fee of £33 million and the Belgian has been a mainstay in the Everton midfield since then. The turbulent performances from the Toffees haven’t deterred Onana from putting in solid shifts at times.

Amadou Onana could be a cheaper alternative for Chelsea

Chelsea made contact with Everton to enquire about the Belgian but the 21 year old has rejected the idea of joining the Blues and instead wants to help Everton in the relegation battle. However, Onana has not completely ruled out a transfer, so there’s a glimmer of hope for Chelsea to get a deal done by January 31st.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Onana is on the radar of many clubs and the London club has had conversations with his agents. Chelsea and Everton are also in contact as CFC wanted to understand the conditions of a potential deal. The Merseysiders would want £50 million for the Belgian midfielder.

Onana at £50 million is certainly a much cheaper alternative to Caicedo or Fernandez, both will cost astronomical sums. The 21 year old operates with agility and energy, taking advantage of his physical prowess through his 6 feet 4 inch build. He is not a midfielder who can be bullied physically. The Belgian has an excellent defensive work rate and doesn’t shy away from being an aggressive ball winner. When going forward, Onana does showcase fine direct ball carrying skills.

He is able to operate as a double pivot or even as a No.8 but his attacking contributions will be limited. He surely supplies energy to the midfield and will win loose balls with relative ease. Chelsea do need energy in the midfield and Onana is capable of offering that.

Onana is definitely a cheaper alternative which will also allow Chelsea to save money that can be invested in the summer to sign long term target Declan Rice.

Will CFC manage to sign Amadou Onana?