Chelsea now looking at alternatives such as Valencia’s Mamardashvili, Dortmund’s Kobel and Brentford’s Raya
By Kehinde Okeowo
Chelsea have decided to end the pursuit of Cameroon international and Inter Milan goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
The west London club were keen on signing a new goalkeeper this summer to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Edouard Mendy set to leave and they held talks with the Serie A club in April over a deal.
However, according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have now pulled out of the race to sign Onana and are now pursuing alternative targets in their search for a new goalkeeper.
This leaves Premier League rival, Manchester United as favourites to sign the Cameroonian who is under contract at San Siro for another four years.
Inter are reported to be looking at as much as £50m to sanction Onana’s sale this summer transfer window and the Blues are not willing to stump up such a fee.
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As a result, they are now looking at alternative options such as Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel and Brentford’s David Raya.
Mamardashvili is thought to be Chelsea’s second-choice target, while there was interest in AC Milan and France No1 Mike Maignan but the club were put off by his £80m asking price.
Onana could now be reunited with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford if the Red Devils eventually completed the deal.
Man United remain in contract talks with David de Gea, who will be a free agent next month if no agreement is reached.
However, the Spanish goalkeeper’s future will have to be resolved first before any move for a new goalkeeper is launched.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are prepared for their first major sale of summer as £35m Mateo Kovacic talks progress with Man City.
