Arsenal decision on Andre Onana hints at Leno future

Arsenal and their hunt for a new goalkeeper this season reached the stage where supporters were scrambling across the internet to see whether they could find a live stream for Andre Onana’s CAS appeal.

Not literally, of course, but such was the hype around the potential of signing the Cameroonian that major outlets in England were hot on the case with numerous reports stating that Onana was Arsenal’s man and someone they were destined to sign.

How things change in the transfer window. Despite the heavy links and confident stances, no formal bid has been made to Ajax to sign the 25-year-old, although interest is said to remain in his signature.

Other clubs have made their feelings known, most of which has picked up in recent weeks following the news that his 12-month doping ban had been reduced by three months; the stopper would be free to train with any new club from September and then play competitively again in November.

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Arsenal decision on Andre Onana hints at Bernd Leno future as Arteta makes goalkeeper plans for summer transfer window

Bernd Leno’s future remains a source of intrigue with both the player and Arsenal open to the idea of a separation, one that can only arrive once someone actually registers any interest. There is a reason why Onana is so desired despite his ban, as he will be available on a meagre £8m fee whereas Arsenal are looking to recoup the £20m paid for the German in 2018.

With the Gunners keen on signing a homegrown keeper this window, links to Aaron Ramsdale and Freddie Woodman have emerged. They fit what Arsenal are after, albeit there being strong reservations on Ramsdale.

If one were brought in he could either compete with Onana for the number one spot or act as Leno’s understudy for a year or two, depending on how long Leno lasts into his current deal.

However, with interest ramping up in Onana’s signature now Inter have seemingly moved ahead of the queue. Gianluca Di Marzio first reported the news and it’s been picked up across Italy that Inter are confident they can wrap a deal up with the goalkeeper who will stay at Ajax for the final year of his contract and then move to Serie A in 12 months’ time.

While this can easily be framed as Arsenal ‘missing out’, on this occasion with the benefit of the doubt, with long-standing interest and numerous reports linking them so heavily with not just interest but actually signing him, it appears a decision has been made on the Gunners’ part. Inter are cash-strapped and if Arsenal pay the money they’ll get their man, not least as there is no Samir Handanovic in Onana’s way, even if he is knocking on.

Which hints strongly at what comes next for Leno.

Continued…

Bernd Leno Looking Likely to Stay at Arsenal With New Contract

If we’ve learnt anything in the past six months about where Arsenal are trying to make amends, it’s with protecting the value of their assets.

Rob Holding was tied down long-term back in January, a smart move by all accounts. That was followed up by new deals being handed out to Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, and while the former has rejected his and the likelihood is that the latter will reject his too, it shows an improvement in strategy from the club.

Which is why it wouldn’t be surprising at all if Leno were to be offered a new deal, even with a view to moving him on in a year’s time.

All the reports are that Arsenal are open to selling Leno and that he is open to leaving, but with no strong links either way it grows increasingly likely that another year in north London, and thus one less job to tick off, wouldn’t be considered a huge issue – largely because it isn’t.

Arteta could do far worse than have Leno in between the sticks and all the movement towards a homegrown understudy who can grow into the number one role makes sense.

Furthermore, the number of deals that will be sanctioned this summer on initial loans with options/obligations to buy is an indicator of the lack of finance across Europe. It is hoped that the majority of clubs will have more wiggle room in the following summer and for players like Leno it opens up his possibilities.

Would it be a shame to miss out on Onana? Absolutely. It isn’t every day you get players who were worth £50m two years ago available for £8m, even if there is some baggage attached. He is a hugely talented, energetic and proactive goalkeeper who comes at a great age. Why use up the homegrown places on left-backs and instead sign a goalkeeper who will lift the bar considerably?

It is apparent though that Arsenal really are honing in on the homegrown situation, but links to uninspiring options like Ramsdale feels like picking the best of an average bunch.

There is plenty of room for change regarding Leno and Onana, as ever in this window, yet as the Cameroonian’s case goes cold it does hint towards a less tumultuous window in the goalkeeping department.