Arsenal are expressing a keen interest in the signing of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to reports on Friday.
Leno to move on?
The situation between the posts in north London has of course been thrown up in the air over recent weeks.
This comes amid surprise speculation surrounding the future of current no.1 Bernd Leno.
The German has endured a somewhat hit-and-miss campaign to date, with a series of recent high-profile blunders – most notably versus Everton – having seen his first-choice status called into question.
That is an absolute shocker from Leno.
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Leno himself, meanwhile, just last month admitted that he is open to the idea of seeking out a ‘new adventure’, away from the Emirates:
‘I don’t know what will come in the future, but I’m open to everything.’
‘Maybe for a new adventure or to stay at Arsenal.’
Time for Arsenal to cash in on Bernd Leno?https://t.co/uxWzC9HVLP
— football.london (@Football_LDN) May 4, 2021
Ajax star eyed
In turn, whilst seeking out a new goalkeeper had previously been regarded as some way down the list of priorities for those in a position of power at Arsenal, it could soon become a pressing issue.
And, as outlined above, on Friday, an insight into one potential Gunners target has been forthcoming.
As per the reliable Charles Watts of Goal, Edu and co. are considering a summer swoop for Ajax star Andre Onana.
The situation of Cameroonian international Onana, at present, is a complicated one, with the shot-stopper in the midst of a doping ban set to run until February of 2022.
This comes after the 25-year-old returned a urine test positive for banned substance Furosemide.
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PEC Zwolle and Ajax Amsterdam at the MAC3Park stadium on November 01, 2019 in Zwolle, The Netherlands(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
An appeal will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in June, with Arsenal keeping a close eye on the situation, ahead of a potential swoop.
Onana’s lawyers are said to be hopeful that the African’s ban will be reduced to eight months, a decision which would allow him to return to training in June, before taking his place back on the pitch two months later.
In terms of a potential fee, Ajax are expected to demand around £12 million for their no.1, though a deal could potentially be struck for a sum closer to £7 million, with Onana’s contract due to expire in 2022.
Arsenal are interested in Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana. First contact made in January, situation is complicated by Onana’s 12-month doping ban, but his appeal in June will be key.
Full story 👇https://t.co/CNtnmdSt0q
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) May 7, 2021
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