I could have joined Arsenal or Chelsea – but I’ve ended up becoming a Man Utd star

Andre Onana could have joined Arsenal or Chelsea years before his Manchester United transfer.

The Cameroon No.1 has been a sought-after talent in recent years, first when he was leaving Ajax in 2022 and again when he headed for the Inter Milan exit the following summer. Not that Onana is unaccustomed to dealing with interest from the Premier League's best and brightest, reported The Mirror.

The 28-year-old cut his teeth at Barcelona's prestigious La Masia academy, which he joined after showing great promise at the Samuel Eto'o Academy. It was during his time contemplating a future away from the Nou Camp in 2016 that the allure of England's top flight first beckoned.

Speaking candidly on The Overlap, powered by Sky Bet, Onana reflected on his past career decisions: "To be honest, sometimes you have to accept the reality and you have to recognise that other people are good as well. I was 17, about to turn 18, and Barcelona bring in Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was 22. After three or four weeks, they bring in Claudio Bravo. Then I start to think there's not enough space for me."

He continued, detailing the crossroads he faced: "I was looking for options at Arsenal or Chelsea, my agent spoke with them at that time, but in the end I decided to go to Ajax. For me, it was important to be in the first team somewhere and then we'll see what happens. When I had the opportunity to join Ajax, I was so happy."

Onana first rose to prominence in Amsterdam, where he won three Eredivisie titles and was a Europa League runner-up. His single season at San Siro also proved prolific as he reached the Champions League final and secured the Coppa Italia crown.

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United completed a £43.8million deal to secure Onana's services following the departure of long-standing keeper David de Gea in 2023. However, his reunion with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has not been as successful as many might have anticipated.

With the FA Cup final against Manchester City on the horizon, Onana and the rest of Ten Hag's squad have a golden opportunity to win over the hearts of the supporters. Onana is particularly keen to repay the faith shown by the fans during a challenging 10-month period.

He expressed his gratitude and determination on the club's official website: "For me, it was difficult at the start and they were behind me so I'm very thankful to them. Let's end on Saturday at Wembley, we will be there and we will fight until the end."

Arsenal could be on the lookout for a keeper again this summer, with Aaron Ramsdale potentially on the move. Although the England shot-stopper did take to social media this week to play down talk of an imminent move to Newcastle.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been able to rely on Djordje Petrovic's solid form at the back in the latter stages of the season, which has helped see them secure European football after a disappointing start to the campaign under Mauricio Pochettino.