Amadou Onana has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Everton. The 21-year-old was heavily linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea in the January transfer window but a switch failed to materialise.
According to The Telegraph, the Blues were keen on signing Onana after the Toffees sacked Frank Lampard. It's said that the west Londoners were 'considering whether or not to try and take advantage' of the ensuing crisis at Goodison Park.
Eager to exact their revenge on Todd Boehly after Chelsea hijacked a deal for Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal identified the Belgium international as a potential alternative to Moises Caicedo, according to the Evening Standard. But, despite the speculation over his future, Onana stayed put and he's already pivotal in Everton's hopes of survival.
READ MORE: Graham Potter reveals Mykhailo Mudryk Chelsea problem after Fulham injury fear
The Belgian played a key role in the Toffees' 1-0 win over Arsenal as Sean Dyche's side clambered out of the relegation zone. And, after the game, Onana sent a passionate message to Everton supporters.
As he left the pitch and headed down the tunnel at Goodison Park, cameras captured him shouting: "I ain’t f****** going nowhere! I’m f****** here!"
Roberto Martinez is a big admirer of Onana and has even compared him to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira in the past. Speaking to Sky Sports in the summer before the youngster arrived on Merseyside, the former Everton and Belgium boss said: "Really exciting footballer.
"Off the ball, he is one of the most impressive young players with his capacity, without the ball, the intensity, the way he can press, and then it’s that arrival into the box, sometimes he reminds you of a young Patrick Vieira in the way that he can drive with the ball.
"That’s a young player, he’s going to be 21 next week, so you’re still talking about potential, but what is already there is the leadership and the captain material that he brings to Everton."
Onana has featured 21 times for Everton this season, directly contributing towards two goals. Regardless of where his future lies, the Belgian looks set to grow into a top player in years to come.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea Graham Potter theory emerges after former Bayern Munich boss spotted at Stamford Bridge
What Thiago Silva demanded from Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea transfer mistake highlighted vs Fulham
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Everton defeat, bouncing back, discipline and title pressure
Arsenal player ratings vs Everton as Martin Odegaard and Ben White poor but Gabriel shines
Everton vs Arsenal highlights: Tarkowski hands Sean Dyche dream start amid Gunners title blow
