Arsenal risk Andre Onana transfer blow with rival interest

Arsenal will have to act fast if they are to secure the signing of Andre Onana this summer transfer window with the results of his appeal against a 12-month doping ban making rival clubs across Europe firm up their interest.

Back into similar territory? Maybe. Arsenal, having been strongly linked with a player whom they’ve admired greatly and managed to get fans excited about, could be seen slipping out of their grasp.

This summer transfer window has been filled with drama since before it even opened as Arsenal’s multitude of links to players have ranged from the left-field to the concrete. Onana, despite not being allowed to kick a ball competitively for what will be nine months, falls under the ‘strong’ category.

Arsenal’s interest has been picked up across Dutch and English media with the ongoing uncertainty around Bernd Leno and Mat Ryan’s futures causing an unprecedented goalkeeping shuffle. Leno won’t be content acting as backup and neither will Onana, while the desire for a young, homegrown keeper could see Ryan’s stay remain as a temporary one.

Arsenal risk Andre Onana transfer blow with rival interest in Ajax goalkeeper from Premier League side this summer window

Having been successful to a degree in his appeal to CAS against a 12-month doping ban, the Cameroonian goalkeeper will now be available to play again in November and begin training with his new side in September. Wherever that will be won’t be Ajax, who are looking to sell this summer and recoup some money as the 25-year-old has only one year left on his contract.

The Gunners had been leading the charge but Goal have since reported that they will need to firm up their interest with a bid or risk missing out on the highly rated stopper.

Yet to submit an offer, there are clubs circling in France as well as a ‘top eight’ side in the Premier League – guesses would be West Ham – who are ready to make their move.

Both Mikel Arteta and Edu are fans of Onana but ‘have yet to decide’ whether they will make their move, which is contrast to other reports in England that stated a transfer was to happen this summer regardless of how his appeal went.

What works in Arsenal’s favour is that the Ajax man is keen on moving to the Emirates. This is, however, on the basis that he will be the No. 1 and there is still uncertainty around Leno’s future. The German is open to leaving, as are Arsenal to selling him, but will not be taking part in any discussions while Euro 2020 is on.

It’s edging closer to now or never territory. Do Arsenal make their move on the basis that they can sell Leno, or risk missing out on a huge bargain with Onana available for a gloriously low fee of £7m? Such opportunities do not come about often.