Andre Onana has admitted that he is set to leave Eredivisie champions Ajax and is aware of reported interest from Premier League giants Arsenal, speaking to Marca.
Where Onana will be plying his trade next season is anyone’s guess.
The Cameroon international has been linked with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur and Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been tracking Onana for the best part of two years now and came close to reaching an agreement last summer.
Reports in Italy claim that Inter Milan, the reigning Serie A champions, will be his destination. Onana is alleged to have agreed a £50,000-a-week contract at the San Siro.
As of yet, however, there has been official confirmation from player or club.
One things for sure though. He will not be an Ajax player when 2022/23 kicks off.
Could Arsenal still sign Ajax goalkeeper Andrea Onana?
“They talk about many things. They have placed me at Barcelona, Inter, Arsenal, Lyon, Nice, Monaco…” Onana laughs.
“I do not know (where I will end up). It is true that we have not reached an agreement with Ajax and I am grateful to the club for the opportunity that they gave me.
“Now, after almost seven years, I think it is time to take a step forward, walk away and make room for others.
“Ajax always give opportunities to young players and there are many goalkeepers in the academy waiting for this opportunity. I must step away.
“To where, I don’t know, but I need something new to measure myself against the top goalkeepers.”
Arsenal would, in theory, give Onana the chance to do just that.
Then again, the emergence of Aaron Ramsdale as one of the Premier League’s best shot-stoppers should give the La Masia graduate plenty of food for thought.
If he wants to prove himself at the very highest level, playing second fiddle to Ramsdale at the Emirates would not exactly be an ideal situation, even if Bernd Leno does depart.
Onana will be a free-agent next summer. Marc Overmars, Ajax’s director of football, has already admitted that an extension looks increasingly unlikely.
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