Marc Overmars admitted that Andre Onana could leave Ajax on the cheap, with Arsenal looking to lure the Eredivisie champion to the Premier League before the summer is out, while speaking to Voetbal International.
Not that the long-serving director of football is feeling particularly bitter as someone he deems to be one of Europe’s ‘top five goalkeepers’ threatens to leave the Amsterdam Arena on the cheap (Goal).
Overmars is happy to admit that, if he was in Arsenal’s shoes, he too would jump at the chance to snap up Onana with just 12 months remaining before he enters free-agency.
The one-time Barcelona youngster has been a target for the London giants since January 2020.
Arsenal were put off by a substantial price-tag at the time but, with his contract running down and a recent doping ban seeing his market value shrink quite substantially, Ajax may have little choice but to accept a reduced fee for a man who otherwise would be worth around £30 million.
Could Arsenal target Andre Onana leave Ajax for free?
“Of course, in the complex case of Onana, it is quite difficult to determine the correct amount,” Overmars said of the Cameroon international, who has not featured since January due to the terms of the ban.
“For some clubs, it is also an opportunity to buy this keeper. Because if he is under contract longer and not suspended, he is worth thirty million. If it was me, I would have acted quickly (and tried to sign him too).
“If you can wait six months, then he can sign on a free transfer.
“He is a top five goalkeeper in Europe. If you put down all the keepers, he will be in fifth or sixth place.
“I get that clubs are trying to sign him because once his signature is secured, his value skyrockets as he is a very good 25-year-old goalkeeper.”
Aaron Ramsdale appears to have emerged as Arsenal’s number one target.
But, with Sheffield United demanding an eye-watering £32 million for the twice-relegated shot-stopper, Onana at £7 million feels like an opportunity too good to miss.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
