Inter Milan have handed Arsenal a transfer boost after sporting director Piero Ausilio all but ruled out a move for Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, speaking to FCInter1908.
Now, no-one at the San Siro doubts the quality or potential of a man who has lifted five trophies in the past three seasons, earning a special place in Manuel Neuer’s heart along the way.
It’s just that, with Samir Handanovic still going strong and Filip Stankovic and Gabriel Brazao turning heads behind the scenes, the Nerazzurri don’t feel the need to add another shot-stopper to a squad that stormed to Scudetto glory in May.
“I read and hear of each of the names linked, even Onana,” says Ausilio.
“But the goalkeeping team is of sufficient quality and covers us for present and future. Let’s not forget that Stankovic is very strong and there’s also Brazao. He is a really good guy.”
Is the door open for Arsenal to sign Andre Onana?
With just 12 months left on his contract, Ajax won’t stand in Onana’s way should they receive a bid in the region of £7 million for a Cameroon international who enrolled in the feted Amsterdam finishing school after honing his talents in Barcelona’s La Masia academy (Goal).
Premier League giants Arsenal are long-time admirers of the 25-year-old, having first expressed an interest in January 2020.
And the Gunners breathed an almighty sigh of relief when learning one of their top targets would be allowed to return to the field in November, having seen a doping ban substantially reduced following an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Spain stopper Unai Simon has also been linked, although a man who made up for that awful error with a couple of brilliant saves in Monday’s 5-3 triumph over Croatia would be far more expensive.
He’s under contract at Athletic Bilbao until 2025.
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