Arsenal transfer plans for Andre Onana suffer blow

The plans Arsenal had put in place for the summer transfer window had already been altered drastically over the course of just over a week, and once again they’ve suffered a setback following prospective goalkeeper signing Andre Onana‘s doping ban appeal.

Having been listed as a target in early May, the Cameroonian goalkeeper has suddenly become one of the club’s priorities this summer with a deal to sign him from Ajax plotted.

Bernd Leno’s future in north London has been thrown into doubt with his desire for European football and a ‘new adventure’ adding him to a long list of potential departures this summer. Given the developments around the German, Arsenal have swooped in to sign Andre Onana on a bargain fee.

The Ajax stopper has just one year left on his deal and is currently serving a 12-month doping ban for consuming a banned substance, Furosemide, one he inadvertently took via his girlfriend’s medication having mistaken it for aspirin.

https://twitter.com/AFCAjax/status/1400035469316984832

Arsenal transfer plans for Andre Onana suffer blow as Ajax goalkeeper learns UEFA’s view of CAS appeal over doping ban

Out of action since February, he has been cruelly forced to train away from his teammates since. An appeal was launched to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to have the ban either shortened – which could result in an August return – or overturned, although the news is not positive.

"“Onana was able to convey his story well and the arbitrators took ample time to listen to his it. He has asked the CAS remove the sentence that has been placed on him, or at least for a sentence considerably shorter than the twelve months imposed,” a statement on the official Ajax website read.“During the period of suspension, the goalkeeper may not participate in any sporting activity and must train on his own. He has made it clear that this is difficult for him.“UEFA’s position has not changed. The European Football Association wants the CAS to maintain the 12-month suspension ruling. It is not yet known when the CAS decision will be announced.”"

While not confirmed, UEFA’s stance on the matter is a blow to the Gunners’ transfer plans. As per The Telegraph, whatever the outcome may be will not impact Arsenal’s decision to sign him, and if upheld he will be available for just £2m, even less than the £7m he would cost he wins his appeal.

What it does mean, however, is that a goalkeeper will be needed to play over half of the coming 2021/22 season before Onana is available for selection. The 25-year-old will arrive as first choice, but a backup will have to cover him until then if his appeal fails as anticipated.

Mat Ryan does appear to be closer to a permanent deal following his six-month loan spell from Brighton and if brought in will offer a solid option in that department. His few appearances last term were encouraging.

If Onana is signed as expected then Leno will be departing, meaning the backup spot in the Arsenal team could fall to either Alex Runarsson or Arthur Okonkwo. The former will be moved on if possible having failed to impress while the latter, who is highly rated, is still untested at Premier League level.