Chelsea have had a €40 million bid rejected by Inter Milan for Andre Onana, with the Serie A giants demanding more for the goalkeeper.
According to Calciomercatoweb, Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has rejected a €40 million bid from Chelsea for Andre Onana. The Nerazzurri are keen to bring in funds through sales and could allow the 27-year-old to leave but not at that price.
Inter Milan have one foot in the UEFA Champions League final courtesy of their win over rivals AC Milan in the semi-final first leg. Interestingly the four players involved in the two goals and their goalkeeper Andre Onana cost nothing to sign for the club.
While those players have proven their value, it may not be the ideal route for any big clubs with lofty ambitions. However, Inter Milan’s dire financial state over the last few years have re-directed them towards bargain signings and cheap deals in the market.
The club cannot dip their beak into the pool of high-profile players, something they wish to change in the summer. While they do not have a massive budget to improve the current squad, the club does have a plan to get in funds.
That plan revolves around selling key players to raise funds for new ones. Onana’s name is on top of the shortlist, considering the value the keeper has generated in the market. Chelsea are prioritising a move, while Manchester United have also shown interest. But Inter Milan are demanding a huge price.
The Nerazzurri have quoted around €50 million for the 27-year-old. A sale of that magnitude could ease Inter’s financial woes considering the Cameroonian arrived on a free transfer. Whether clubs are willing to pay that sort of fee remains the question.
While Chelsea are keen to refresh their goalkeeping position, they are reportedly unwilling to pay €50 million for Onana. The report from Italy claims Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has rejected a €40 million offer from the Blues, as the club holds out for more.
Chelsea have chased Onana with intent in recent weeks, and media reports from England have put them as favourites. There are doubts about Edouard Mendy’s future after refusing a contract extension after losing his place to Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Inter are also searching the market for a replacement, as they cannot rely on the ageing Samir Handanovic to return between the posts as their No.1. Chelsea might return with another offer and possibly look to negotiate with Inter for the 27-year-old Onana to find a reasonable solution.
