Chelsea Secure Deal with Inter Milan Star Ahead of Crucial Champions League Final against Manchester City

 

Chelsea Football Club is reportedly edging closer to securing a deal with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana in preparation for the highly anticipated Champions League final this Saturday. While negotiations are still ongoing, sources suggest that the London-based club has reached an initial agreement in principle on personal terms with the talented shot-stopper.

The prospective move comes as Chelsea's newly appointed manager, Mauricio Pochettino, sets his sights on bolstering the team's goalkeeping options during the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite officially taking charge on July 1, Pochettino is already exerting his influence on the club's transfer activities.

In recent months, Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the first-choice goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge, filling the void left by Edouard Mendy's injury and subsequent dip in form after the World Cup. However, Pochettino is determined to secure a reliable custodian for the long term, and his attention has turned towards Inter Milan's Andre Onana as a potential solution.

While Chelsea has also been linked with AC Milan's Mike Maignan, Onana has emerged as a strong candidate for Pochettino's preferred choice between the posts. According to the reputable Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, the Blues have been monitoring the Cameroonian international's progress for several weeks. Onana himself is reportedly eager to make a move to the highly competitive Premier League this summer.

It is understood that personal terms have already been discussed in principle between Onana and Chelsea. Nevertheless, the London club's initial bid of £34 million was swiftly rejected by Inter Milan. However, negotiations are expected to resume in the following week after Saturday's final showdown against Manchester City in Istanbul.

Onana's contributions have been pivotal to Inter Milan's journey to the prestigious Champions League final. The 27-year-old joined Inter just last summer on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Ajax. Therefore, any potential transfer would see Inter make a substantial profit on their initial investment in the talented goalkeeper.