Chelsea have now made a fresh approach to beat interest from Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of Inter Milan star Andre Onana. The Blues are looking to replace Edouard Mendy.
That is according to TuttoMercatoWEB, which reports that Chelsea have opened talks with Inter Milan in recent hours. Stamford Bridge chiefs moved to take detailed information on Onana’s potential availability with Mendy now likely to leave west London in the summer.
Chelsea no longer view Mendy as their long-term No1 and believe Onana would oust Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks. The 26-year-old has performed admirably since he joined Inter Milan in a free transfer in July. He moved to San Siro after his contract at Ajax ended.
Chelsea are among the Premier League clubs interested in Andre Onana’s transfer
Onana has kept 14 clean sheets through his 27 appearances for Inter Milan after replacing Samir Handanovic as their No1. Now, Chelsea are among a clutch of Premier League teams showing great interest in his transfer. There is no certainty that Onana will stay at San Siro.
Inter Milan are likely to consider Onana’s future in the next transfer market as he can yield a respectable sum. The 34-cap former Cameroon stopper signed a contract with the Serie A side until June 2027. But rival suitors appreciate his above-average technical skills highly.
Reports by 90min have also noted Inter’s readiness to grant Onana’s transfer and also cite interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United. The Premier League rivals know the Nerazzurri will let the former Barcelona talent leave. Spurs have been keen since 2021.
Aston Villa are set to rival Chelsea and Tottenham for the Inter Milan star
Aston Villa are also set to rival interest from Chelsea and Tottenham by targeting a transfer with Inter Milan for Onana. CalcioMercatoWeb reports the Villans are ready to offer €28m (£25m) for the goalkeeper. Unai Emery is looking into replacements for Emiliano Martinez.
Chelsea, though, are now moving decisively to beat Aston Villa and Tottenham to Onana’s transfer by speaking with Inter Milan. The Blues have opened talks over the highly-praised shot-stopper’s situation after his stellar displays in the Champions League against FC Porto.
Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic lauded Onana ahead of meeting Cameroon in the group stages at the World Cup. Yet the Inter Milan star did not play as Rigobert Song axed Onana for ‘disciplinary reasons’. ESPN reported they clashed over the team’s playing style.
Milinkovic-Savic said, via L’Interista, on Onana, who also retired from Cameroon duty after Qatar 2022: “I think he’s an excellent goalkeeper. He has a brilliant future ahead of him. He succeeded to take Handanovic’s place. Today, I think he’s stronger than the Slovenian.”
In other news, Report: Arsenal want to sign Premier League captain on a free transfer
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