Chelsea face competition from Manchester United for the signing of the Internazionale goalkeeper André Onana. United have also shortlisted Porto’s Diogo Costa as they target a challenger to David de Gea.
De Gea is out of contract this summer and yet to finalise a new deal. The Spaniard has been one of United’s best players since joining in 2011 but was inconsistent last season and Erik ten Hag wants to bring in a goalkeeper.
United are weighing up their next move after becoming discouraged in their pursuit of Tottenham’s Harry Kane. Signing a top striker is a priority for Ten Hag but Spurs do not want to sell Kane and Napoli’s asking price for Victor Osimhen is prohibitive. Atalanta’s Rasmus Højlund is a target, but the Dane is one for the future.
United must also decide whether to improve their offer for the Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, after having an opening bid of £40m turned down. They could decide to spend heavily on a goalkeeper if they cannot sign a world-class No 9.
De Gea was at fault for Manchester City’s winner in the FA Cup final and his unconvincing distribution has raised doubts over whether the 32-year-old is suited to Ten Hag’s football. Chelsea and United have registered an interest in Onana with Inter, whose financial problems could force them to sell. It is believed the Cameroon international would favour a move to United. Costa is an alternative target for Ten Hag. The 23-year-old is highly rated and a Portugal international.
Onana is excellent with the ball at his feet and impressed during Inter’s run to the Champions League final, where they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City. Inter fear they will lose Onana and have inquired about Brentford’s David Raya, who is wanted by Tottenham.
Signing Onana would fix a problem area for Chelsea, who will listen to offers for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Édouard Mendy. Arrizabalaga’s high wages could make him harder to sell than Mendy, who lost his place to the Spaniard last season. Chelsea have also targeted Milan’s Mike Maignan and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Chelsea have held talks with Inter over a number of issues this week. Along with discussing Onana, Inter have explored signing Kalidou Koulibaly and Romelu Lukaku on loan. Chelsea need to raise funds and would prefer to sell Koulibaly and Lukaku.
Chelsea want £70m plus add-ons for Mount. They are expected to sell Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City and want £70m for Kai Havertz, who is a target for Arsenal.
