Incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has given Chelsea the green light for move for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer, according to reports.
With both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy unconvincing so far this campaign, the change in the dugout is likely to bring with it a switch-up between the sticks.
Pochettino has agreed terms to take charge at Stamford Bridge from the start of next season and he has wasted little time in plotting the club’s transfer business.
There will certainly be outgoings, too, with midfielder Mateo Kovacic tipped to exit.
And, as claimed by Inter Live, he may be used in a swap deal for Onana. Seemingly, the stopper is a priority target for Pochettino and the return of Kovacic to the San Siro, where he plied his trade between 2013 and 2015, is a potential sweetener.
Chelsea are lining up a move for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to reports
Mauricio Pochettino has agreed a deal to take charge and is already plotting transfers
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic could be used as a makeweight in a potential swap for Onana
Kovacic’s contract is set to run down in 2024 and he has been linked with a move away from the capital in recent weeks, with Manchester City eyeing him up.
But in the latest effort from Chelsea to secure a part-exchange for Onana, Kovacic has now reportedly been offered as a makeweight. The same outlet adds that Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah were also unsuccessfully pitched.
Crucially, however, Kovacic is said to be open to returning to the Serie A side.
There is a reluctance at Inter to part ways with Onana, though. Indeed, the report says that the stopper is indispensable to Simone Inzaghi’s project, proven by his ability to usurp the experienced Samir Handanovic to become the new No 1.
Onana has also proven crucial during the club’s run to the Champions League final.
Negotiations between Inter and Chelsea are likely to be open this summer regardless of a move for Onana, with Romelu Lukaku’s future beyond his loan spell uncertain.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the club’s No 1 this season, but a new stopper is now a priority
Edouard Mendy is expected to leave this summer and Tottenham are said to be keen on him
Spurs captain Hugo Lloris may depart after 11 years due to his ailing form and expiring contract
The striker joined the Blues for £97.5million two years ago but after struggling to rise to expectations, found himself shipped out on loan before the start of this season.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are said to be keen on making a surprise move for Mendy in their search for a replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, who is set to depart.
Lloris has spent 11 years at the club but, due to his ailing form and expiring contract, is rumoured to be heading toward the exit door.
As a result, Spurs may make finding a new goalkeeper a priority this summer, with The Sun reporting that they have their eyes on Mendy.
