Arsenal's connection with Ligue 1 club can help Edu beat Premier League rivals to Belgium star

Arsenal have been heavily linked to Youri Tielemans since the beginning of the summer transfer window. However, a deal for the Belgian has seemed to collapse in recent weeks meaning the Gunners are on the search for alternatives.

One player that the Gunners have reportedly targeted is Amadou Onana from Lille according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri. He has claimed that meetings have already taken between the Gunners and the player’s entourage.

Despite the interest registered by Arsenal, London rivals West Ham have already had a bid rejected for him according to Sky Sports. But, this should not worry Edu due to the previous history between the north London side and Lille.

The Gunners have been regular shoppers at the French club, having signed Gervinho, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Magalhaes in recent years. Edu had major success with the last signing from Les Dogues, as Gabriel has been a sensation since joining the Gunners in 2019.

Despite only being 22-year-old when integrated into the side, he automatically became a leader in defence and has since been the club’s most important defender. The last campaign highlighted why he is one of the first names on Arteta’s team sheet.

And the formula can be repeated if the Gunners opt to sign Amadou. At just 20 years old, the midfielder has established himself as a regular for Lille in Ligue 1 where he played 32 matches last season.

Tielemans seemed to be the ideal target to improve the middle of the park for Arsenal, but this is reportedly no longer the case. Arteta's side have 'cooled' their interest in Tielemans, according to Sky Sports. The report claims that it's become increasingly likely that the Belgium international now signs a one-year contract extension at