Arsenal handed Andre Onana transfer u-turn invitation

Unfortunately, Arsenal Are Unlikely to Make Andre Onana U-Turn

Could Arsenal survive until November with Arthur Okonkwo as the No. 2? The better question is whether Bernd Leno could stay fit until November at the earliest.

A betting man would say so, but it’s a risk that could have monumental ramifications. As highly rated as Okonkwo is, a 19-year-old being thrust into the Premier League without any prior experience could be hugely damaging both to Arsenal’s season and the player’s development.

However, for only £5m Arsenal can land themselves a goalkeeper with a wealth of experience, brilliant footwork and a proactive style who could be the No. 1 for many, many years to come. It is the definition of a no-brainer. Even the prospect of jetting off to AFCON, while unfavourable, doesn’t detract from the opportunity that has presented itself.

It would also be a huge shock to see Onana in Arsenal colours next season.

Arteta and co have set out their stall for what they want. The profile of a young, homegrown goalkeeper has provided them with limited and uninspiring options, yet it’s clearly so important to them that they’ve been willing to spend £30m on Ramsdale. Onana turning down Lyon doesn’t look set to change that. It would constitute a significant change of direction.

Two bids have been lodged for Ramsdale (just make up the quota elsewhere) and a third at whatever price feels inevitable.

Widely reported as being the number one target, come September 1 if Ramsdale has not moved to north London there will be a fair few surprised faces. Even if Sheffield United hold Arsenal to ransom.

Or, spending £25m or so less on a goalkeeper with elite traits who is far more suited to the style that Arteta implements opens up the chance to really push for a new right-back, central midfielder and playmaker. It even frees up funds for a striker, whom the Gunners are also chasing.

It’s an invitation to realise the errors of their ways. Few expect them to take it.