Chelsea have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Andre Onana, clearing the way for Manchester United to target a move for the Inter Milan goalkeeper.
The Cameroon international has been in fantastic form this season, drawing interest following his part in helping Inter Milan reach the Champions League final. The 27-year-old has been linked to Chelsea, but with Kepa Arrizabalaga set to retain the number one shirt, their sights are thought to have turned to bringing in a number two.
United, meanwhile, are believed to be targeting a goalkeeper as part of their summer transfer business. David de Gea has made high-profile mistakes this season. He was not named on the club's retained list having not yet agreed a new contract, fuelling reports that United are set to bring in a new number one 'keeper.
The Evening Standard report Chelsea's stance, with the path cleared for United to pursue a deal to sign the Cameroon international, who signed a five-year-deal with Inter last summer. According to The Athletic, United are set to turn their sights to Onana, with the former Ajax man having excelled under the management of Erik ten Hag at the Dutch club.
In 2021, he was banned from football for nine months and returned to play for Ten Hag at the Amsterdam club, drawing praise from his manager.
Ten Hag described him as a 'masterful' goalkeeper upon his return, saying: "Obviously he's not yet back at his level from before the suspension," he said. "But that can't be expected from him. He has to work hard to get there again and I'm convinced that he'll succeed. We've all seen that he is a masterful goalkeeper."
Part of de Gea's struggles this season have emerged from his ability with the ball at his feet, with ten Hag explaining the modern game's requirements for such skills earlier this season. Onana is renowned for his ability with the ball at his feet, having risen through the ranks at Ajax, a system well-known for its encouragement of a possession-based game.
Ten Hag said: "It's not what I want [top footwork], it's more what top football demands nowadays." He continued. “If you observe teams, you have to be capable of playing from the back and use your keeper as a plus one. Otherwise it's simple for opponents to put you under pressure."
Onana's commitment to playing out from the back got him into trouble at the World Cup, with an argument alleged to be regarding selection and Cameroon's style of play resulting in him being sent home from the tournament.
While being good with his feet, Onana's shot-stopping is also well regarded, with seven clean sheets in Inter's run to the final of the Champions League final as well as making the most saves in the competition. He did not concede a single goal in 180 minutes as Inter beat rivals AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate in their semi-final.
