Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana remains a target for Arsenal this summer, reports NOS, after first being broken by Goal’s Charles Watts last month.
The Cameroonian stopper is currently suspended from all footballing activities after testing positive for a banned substance, Furosemide. However, Ajax’s appeal over the length of the ban, originally 12 months from February 2021, will be heard tomorrow (Wednesday, June 2).
Despite this, Onana is still likely to depart the club in the summer, and while Arsenal are currently seen as the favourites, there is also reported interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Andre Onana Being Targetted By Arsenal
Suspension Period Will Be Key
Knowing how long Onana’s suspension from football will continue for will be a key factor in this deal. Ajax are appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) this week.
Sports lawyer Dolf Segaar, who has been hired by Ajax and Onana, told NOS: “We have put forward our points of view, just like UEFA. We do not differ that much about the facts. But what is an appropriate punishment? That is the question.”
On Onana’s chances of acquittal, he added: “Of course you hope for acquittal, but let’s be realistic: that is not going to happen. I really don’t know yet, you hope for a considerable number of months less.”
Essentially, Onana’s chances of being acquitted of the charge appear very small, although there is a chance he could serve less time than he was originally handed back in February.
NOS report that Arsenal will make the move regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s appeal, but the fee will be determined based on what happens. If his sentence is shortened, Ajax could command between €6-9 million but may have to settle for as low as €2 million if he remains suspended until early next year.
As a result of Onana’s imminent departure, Ajax have had a reshuffle in the goalkeeping department. Maarten Stekelenburg has had his contract extended by a further year and he is set to continue as the number one. When contract negotiations with Onana were stopped they also picked up veteran keeper Remko Pasveer from Vitesse, and they are likely to add Go Ahead Eagles’ Jay Gorter to their squad soon too.
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