Unable to reach an agreement 15 clubs want Arsenal target on free transfer | OneFootball

Arsenal-linked Andre Onana says as many as 15 clubs want to sign him on a free transfer when his Ajax contract expires next summer.

Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana makes a save during the Dutch Eredivisie match between sc Heerenveen and Ajax Amsterdam at Abe Lenstra Stadium on March 07, 2020. VI ANP Sport / Ronald Bonestroo IV

At one stage early this summer, Andre Onana’s potential transfer to Arsenal looked like a near certainty.

Reports suggested the goalkeeper was nailed-on to leave Ajax, multiple outlets linked him to Arsenal, and it was claimed he was ‘very likely’ to join the North London club at one stage.

Yet the Arsenal rumours died down, and despite links to the likes of Lyon and OGC Nice, Onana remained with Ajax.

Looking back on the summer, Onana confirms Lyon and Nice were options for him, but they couldn’t reach an agreement. With his contract expiring in 2022, he has plenty of suitors on a free transfer.

“Yes, I was able to go to Olympique Lyon, I also had many conversations with Peter Bosz and for me, it is an honour that such a club wanted to contract me,” Onana told Telegraaf.

“Unfortunately, we were ultimately unable to reach an agreement. The same goes for OGC Nice.

Ajax keeper Andre Onana during the Dutch Eredivisie match between AZ Alkmaar and Ajax Amsterdam at the AFAS stadium on January 31, 2021 in Alkmaar, The Netherlands. Photo: VI ANP Sport Ed van de Pol IV

“There are fifteen clubs that want me on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. Rumours that I already have an agreement with another club are not true.”

The goalkeeper also doesn’t rule out the possibility that he extends his contract with Ajax, perhaps with a release clause.

Onana continued: “Isn’t it logical that I first offer Ajax the chance to start the conversation?

“Albert Botines (Onana’s agent) will soon be coming to Amsterdam and then I’ll hear about it. I just want to focus on my return. But anything is possible. Let Ajax and my agent quickly sit down and see what happens.

“I have a great relationship with Edwin, Marc and Erik ten Hag. But it’s not in my hands. A new contract with a release clause? Everything is negotiable. Ajax must do what is good for Ajax. Of course, I am still open to a new contract.”

Onana is currently still serving a suspension after the banned substance, Furosemide, was found in his urine sample. He claimed he took it by accident after it was prescribed to his wife.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled no significant fault could be attributed to Onana, reducing the ban from 12 months to nine as a result. He’s available for matches from November 3rd and is now available to feature in training sessions.

The 25-year-old has had an excellent record in goal for Ajax. He kept nine clean sheets in 20 Eredivisie matches before his ban last season, with an 80% save percentage.

According to the post-shot expected goals stats, he’s also prevented over 10 goals more than you’d expect from your average top-five league goalkeeper in his last three seasons of European football (24 Champions League appearances, 1 Europa League).