The relief after Andre Onana had an initial 12-month ban reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to nine months was discernible, as it represented a win of sorts for the Cameroon goalkeeper.
Onana was suspended by Uefa in February after testing positive for Furosemide, but always maintained his innocence, stating he accidentally took medicine that was prescribed for his then-pregnant wife.
CAS deemed the punishment was “disproportionate and excessive” and decreased the ban. Onana, who’d been away from training since February, could now return in September, two months before the end of his suspension.
The positive appeal has resurrected Arsenal’s interest in the Ajax man, with reports indicating a pursuit of the 25-year-old hinged on Friday’s verdict.
Indeed, Goal revealed the interest in the Indomitable Lion a few months back, with club correspondent Charles Watts shedding light on the North London side’s embryonic fondness for the shot-stopper.
With Mikel Arteta supposedly open to Bernd Leno departing the three-time Premier League winners, Onana will have little competition between the sticks. Be that as it may, is a move to Arsenal really in the Central African’s best interests?
Of course, the transfer to one of England’s historic clubs will bring its undoubted financial benefits and the popularity of the Premier League means African observers will keep a closer eye on one of the continent’s finest exports in Europe’s top five leagues.
A section of critics never truly considered him the best in his position owing to the assumed lesser quality in the Eredivisie compared to other top leagues, and a switch to the Emirates Stadium could change that perception.
There’ll also be the weekly fun comparison with Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy, whose success in England since moving from Ligue 1 has been evident. Two of Africa’s first-rate goalkeepers playing in Europe’s most viewed league won’t be lost on anyone, especially as it’ll prompt an enjoyable weekly analysis of both.
Having said that, Arsenal’s steep decline in recent years has to worry any potential acquisition.
