Sneijder sounds big transfer alarm, urging Ajax star to abort any Arsenal plans

Wesley Sneijder September 2020

Former Ajax star Wesley Sneijder has warned goalkeeper Andre Onana about the dangers of making a transfer to Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners are facing a crucial summer window if they are to right the wrongs of last season’s showing. Despite a fairly solid finish, the first half of the season ultimately cost manager Mikel Arteta. Indeed, there was loose talk of relegation before Christmas, before a turnaround in form.

But finishing eighth in the Premier League has meant Arsenal are without European football next season.

That comes with some big problems, not least no access to the lucrative funds granted through Champions League football.

Nevertheless, Ajax stopper Onana is one target who could move to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Cameroonian is currently serving a doping ban, but that was reduced to nine months.

As a result, he will be eligible to play again from early November.

However, Sneijder – who progressed through Ajax’s youth ranks and spent four years in the team before moving to Real Madrid – has warned the goalkeeper of the risks he thinks are associated with the transfer.

“I expect him to go,” the 37-year-old told Voetbal International Live (via Voetbal Primeur).

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“I think he is a great goalkeeper. European top? Yes, definitely.

“I’d rather not see him at Arsenal. It’s a fantastic club, but it has gone downhill in recent years. I’d rather see him play at Real Madrid or FC Barcelona.”

Onana was part of the Ajax team that beat Madrid on the way to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19.

However, he has stayed around while Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech have gone their separate ways.

Arsenal source another transfer target

Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan is also on Arsenal’s list of transfer targets to be back-up for Bernd Leno next season.

The Australian in fact played that role for the second half of last term, on a loan spell in north London.

However, the Gunners are now reportedly looking for a permanent deal, with more clubs in the hunt.