Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana from Serie A giants Inter Milan at the end of the season.
Andre Onana is a serious target for Chelsea. But they are unwilling to match his €50 million asking price. Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has now confirmed that Inter Milan will have to reduce their valuation in order for the move to go through.
Onana has been a key player for Inter Milan this season, and it is no surprise that the Serie A giants are demanding a premium for his services. The 27-year-old is entering his peak years and is likely to be a top-class performer in the upcoming seasons.
Chelsea could lose at Edouard Mendy at the end of the season, and Onana has emerged as a viable target to replace him. The Senegal international has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and he is no longer the first-choice goalkeeper at the club. Kepa Arrizabalaga has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at Chelsea.
The Blues cannot afford to go into a new season with just one recognised goalkeeper. So they must look to bring in someone who can compete with Kepa for the starting spot. Onana will fancy his chances of holding down a regular starting spot at Chelsea.
🚨↩️ Andrè #Onana could leave #Inter in the summer if a suitable offer arrives.
🎯 #Chelsea – as told – are seriously interested in the 🇨🇲 GK, but his current price (around €50m) is considered too high.
📌 Other 🇪🇺 top clubs are on his track: evolving situation. 🐓⚽ #CFC pic.twitter.com/jwiEVGl3Zk
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) May 7, 2023
The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be an attractive option for the goalkeeper. But it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can come to an agreement soon. The reported €50 million asking price is quite steep, and Chelsea will look to negotiate a more reasonable fee in the coming months.
The Blues have had a disappointing season so far, and they are currently in the bottom half of the table. They will be looking to finish the season strongly and secure their place in the top half. However, they are set to miss out on Champions League football next season.
A player like Onana might be keen on joining a club with Champions League football. So the absence of European football at Stamford Bridge could be a bit of a problem. That said, Chelsea have an ambitious project and the 27-year-old will feel that the Blues are likely to compete for major trophies in the coming seasons once a quality manager has been appointed.
