The Italian journalist says the Cameroon international was a target for the Gunners in January, and they have stayed in contact with the player’s representatives in recent months ahead of a possible summer bid:
Talk surrounding the 25 year-old and a possible move to the Etihad Stadium has been rife for the past six months or so, with Manchester City officials seemingly holding Jack Grealish in very high regard.
However, the financials at stake in a possible move were always going to be a major stumbling block, with Aston Villa claimed to be valuing their star man at close to £100 million – which would not only be a record transfer fee for the Premier League champions, but also a new record in the division.
With that being said however, the latest information from England is that Manchester City would almost certainly have to see some departures, in order to finance a move – and two names have been identified as possibly paving the way for a Grealish swoop.
“Let’s see what will be the final decision for the suspension, but UEFA are still on the same position, but Arsenal are interested because if the situation would change they want to try. They are in touch with his agents, he was close to joining Arsenal in January – they were in talks with his agent in January. Now, the situation is still on the table because they are seriously considering to move for Onana and he’s a serious target for Arsenal.”
Arsenal’s interest in Onana is surprising. While there has been talk that Bernd Leno is open to leaving the Emirates, it is not thought that the German is desperate to move on.
It could well be that Onana’s availability for such a low transfer fee may have influenced the Gunners’ thinking in terms of going after the keeper.
Reports suggest that Ajax may be willing to offload Onana for just £7m, and that would be a bargain price. However, as Romano says, a lot will depend on whether the shot-stopper’s suspension is shortened or lifted completely. He is currently expected to return from his ban in the New Year.
