Sports
Manchester United Receive Boost To Sign Andre Onana As Chelsea Withdraw Interest
Manchester United‘s pursuit of goalkeeper Andre Onana has received a boost as Chelsea has decided to end their interest in the Inter Milan shot-stopper.
The 27-year-old has been on the radar of both Premier League clubs, with Manchester United and Chelsea seeking reinforcements in the goalkeeper position this summer.
According to reports from the Evening Standard, Chelsea engaged in discussions with Inter in April regarding a potential move for the former Ajax goalkeeper. However, they have now withdrawn from the pursuit of Onana.
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This development places Manchester United in a favorable position to secure the services of the talented Cameroon international, provided they are willing to meet the £50 million valuation.
Onana shares a previous working relationship with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag from their time together at Ajax. The prospect of reuniting with the Dutchman may entice Onana, who only joined Inter last year and signed a five-year contract in Milan.
While Chelsea remains keen on acquiring a new goalkeeper this summer, with Edouard Mendy’s potential departure and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s underwhelming performances in the Premier League, they have shifted their focus to alternative targets.
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Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel, and Brentford’s David Raya are among the goalkeepers Chelsea is considering.
According to Evening Standard, Mamardashvili is the most likely candidate to be the subject of a bid from the Blues.
Despite this positive development for Manchester United, there is still uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper position at Old Trafford.
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The club has acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing with David De Gea regarding a new contract.
De Gea, whose current contract with Manchester United is expiring, may still decide to stay with the club. However, his willingness to remain may depend on securing the role of the first-choice goalkeeper.
Similarly, Onana would likely only consider joining Manchester United if he is guaranteed a starting role.
While there are still contractual discussions with David De Gea, the possibility of securing Onana’s services could provide Manchester United with the desired depth and competition in the goalkeeper position.
The next steps in this transfer saga will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike as the clubs make their moves in the summer transfer window.