Arsenal are currently losing out in the race to sign Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, reports Aaron Catterson-Reid of football.london. Ligue 1 side Lyon are said to be the main contenders for the Cameroonian’s signature at the moment, meaning Arsenal may have to offer him the number one spot if they are to land their main target.
Arsenal Losing Out in Andre Onana Race
Lyon Leading Pursuit
According to L’Equipe, new Lyon manager Peter Bosz is keen on adding Onana to his squad this summer. The Ajax stopper is banned from playing matches until November due to a doping violation, meaning that clubs are aware of the minimal fee they will have to pay to land the goalkeeper.
Bosz and Onana have worked together before, though, as the Dutchman was in charge of Ajax during the 2016/17 season when they were Europa League runners-up. This could be part of the reason why Lyon are in pole position ahead of Arsenal.
Arsenal May Need to Offer Guaranteed Place
Thus far, Arsenal have failed to guarantee that Onana will have the number one shirt ahead of current goalkeeper Bernd Leno. It’s the same stance that led to Emiliano Martinez leaving the club last summer and joining Aston Villa, rather than staying behind Leno in the pecking order.
Lyon, though, would offer him the first-choice spot (come November once he is able to play, of course), and this would likely include matches in the Europa League and the Coupe de France too.
Onana is reportedly Arsenal’s number one target when it comes to the goalkeeping position, but they will have to show that by assuring him of a starting spot if they are to have any chance of completing the transfer.
The Gunners, though, could turn their attention to Aaron Ramsdale if the move fails to materialise. The Sheffield United goalkeeper is currently away on international duty with England, who play in the final of Euro 2020 tonight against Italy.
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