Chelsea are reportedly prepared to send Ruben Loftus-Cheek in part exchange for 27-year-old Serie A star Andre Onana.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Chelsea might ponder including Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a deal for Andre Onana. Mauricio Pochettino remains keen to bring the Inter Milan goalkeeper. The Blues face a stumbling block due to his €60 million asking price.
Chelsea plans to make plenty of changes to its squad as Mauricio Pochettino lays down his rule at the club. The Argentine may not want underperforming stars to feature for the club, and the board might consider their sales in the upcoming window.
Among a host of stars, Ruben Loftus-Cheek features prominently. The €20 million-rated midfielder enters the final year of his deal, which has prompted Chelsea to consider offers around that mark. However, they are considering including the midfielder in a potential deal for key target Andre Onana.
The 27-year-old Serie A star is one of the players Pochettino wants in his team next season. Having spent only a season at Inter Milan, the Cameroonian has excelled with his style. He has helped the team to a Champions League Final against Manchester City.
After that game, Inter Milan plans to hold talks with Chelsea, as they remain firm on their €60 million demand. The Blues consider the price too high for their liking and may try to find ways to reduce it. The Italians have financial troubles of their own, meaning any fee they receive from the sale of Onana will massively help them.
They are now considering involving Loftus-Cheek in a part-exchange deal for Inter’s Onana. The Nerazzuri also have other players like on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku who could be used for a deal. They also need a new midfielder in the mould of the €20 million-rated Loftus-Cheek.
Loftus-Cheek was once close to joining AC Milan before Paolo Maldini’s surprise departure. Chelsea may have plotted a similar approach considering they are reportedly interested in Mike Maignan. He also carries a similar €60 million price tag.
Milan are not ready to accept the €60 million after reports from Italy claimed Chelsea had already made an offer. Pochettino wants Onana to become the new No.1 at the club and will push Chelsea towards bringing the 27-year-old Serie A star.
While Inter Milan remains interested in Loftus-Cheek, there are questions about whether they would accept him as part of a deal for Onana. The Nerazzuri would like full cash payment for the keeper and possibly have separate discussions for the midfielder.
