Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana is closing in on a move to Arsenal this summer, according to Dutch media outlet NOS NL.
The 25-year-old is currently serving a 12-month ban after testing positive for Furosemide. However, the goalkeeper has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport(CAS) and a hearing this week could reduce his ban to eight months which will make him available for the early stages of next season.
As a consequence of this ban, the Cameroonian international has not played competitive football since the end of January. However, he played a vital role in Ajax’s Eredivise League triumph, keeping nine clean sheets in 26 appearances for the Dutch team in the first half of the season.
According to NOS, Ajax have decided to sell the keeper after failing to agree on a new contract, with his current deal expiring next summer. Arsenal are overwhelming favorites to sign Onana and a deal could be finalized once the CAS reveals its verdict.
The Cameroonian was valued at around £25m last summer but could be available for a sum as low as £2m if his ban stands. If it is reduced then the Gunners will have to pay between £6-9m.
Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed the report. Here is the tweet:
André Onana is a real target in the Arsenal list, confirmed as @nos reported today. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
– Arsenal are in direct contact wih his agents since January.
– Definitive suspension period will be key to understand Onana’s future.
– Impossible to bring Szczesny back, NO chance.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2021
Bernd Leno has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper for the past few years but it is reported that the club are not convinced about his abilities. With Mat Ryan returning to Brighton, Mikel Arteta is known to be after at least one keeper this summer.
Arsenal Fever View:
Leno has been Arsenal’s saviour on multiple occasions, but his form was inconsistent during the backend of last season. The 29-year-old was guilty of making some risky passes which ultimately led to goals. This led to some questions about his long-term future in north London.
Arteta likes to play from the back and for that to happen, the Gunners need a goalkeeper who is good at distribution. Onana is the right fit for this role because of his proven passing abilities. The Ajax shot-stopper will be allowed to train with his club as early as August if his appeal is approved.
Although, Onana might not be able to play competitive football until October the Gunners are keen on signing him as they consider him a long-term solution and want him between the sticks for the foreseable future.
