Arsenal’s Andre Onana stance explained with priorities set

The case on Andre Onana has gone cold since it became clear Arsenal had registered genuine interest in the goalkeeper’s signature earlier in May. Even with the outcome of his appeal against a doping ban decided, there is still no concrete movement.

It was telling of the interest in Onana that once his Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing was heard that every major Arsenal correspondent immediately jumped on the updates. There was no chance of any supporter missing the verdict.

Now available to train with his new club from September and play competitively again in November, the excitement around his future has died down. Fellow European sides have weighed in with interest, including a top eight Premier League side, and Mikel Arteta’s side could risk losing him if they don’t act fast.

Available at a snip for around £7m, the situation is a tough one for Arsenal to navigate around as that move could prompt an entire overhaul of the goalkeeping department.

Arsenal’s Andre Onana stance explained with priorities set for Arteta in goalkeeper department this summer transfer window

As per football.london, the Gunners are focusing their attention on securing a homegrown option, while still retaining interest in Onana. As of yet Ajax are yet to receive a formal offer for the Cameroonian.

Aaron Ramsdale has been mentioned with Arsenal holding a genuine interest in the Sheffield United goalkeeper, while links to Freddie Woodman refuse to die down with Newcastle unlikely to keep him on this summer given their wealth of options in that department.

Where exactly the club decide to go on this front is interesting. There is every chance that a homegrown option could be brought in and Mat Ryan is re-signed, although the Australian will have to be convinced of coming in to not be first choice which is one of the concerns he has over moving to north London permanently, especially with no European football next season.

Equally, so much still rests on Bernd Leno’s future. The 29-year-old is seeking a a new challenge away from north London but there will be no movement on that front until after the Euros, with Germany set to face England in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Yet with Arsenal’s attentions on the homegrown option, there is even scope for Leno to stay for another season and head into the final year of his contract by which time it might be hoped whomever arrives this summer could take over the role in 12 months’ time.

It’s very up in the air but with focus on the young keeper there are only a select few desirable options for Arteta’s side to choose from. It really is slim pickings.

Alex Runarsson won’t be around for the coming Premier League campaign, however, as he looks set to leave on loan.