Transfer Centre

Manchester United to rival Chelsea for Inter Milan's Andre Onana?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 02 June 2023

Man United to rival Chelsea for Andre Onana?

Manchester United reportedly plan to rival Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer.

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer.

Since completing a lengthy ban for doping offences and joining the Nerazzurri on a free transfer from Ajax, the former Cameroon international has been an adequate successor to Samir Handanovic in the San Siro goal.

Onana has played every minute of Inter's run to the 2022-23 Champions League final, keeping five clean sheets in six knockout games, including in both legs of the Nerazzurri's semi-final triumph over AC Milan.

The 27-year-old has often rotated with Handanovic in the top flight due to his European commitments, but he has still managed eight shutouts in 24 Serie A contests for Simone Inzaghi's side, who will meet Manchester City in the Champions League final on June 10.

Onana committed to a five-year contract upon his arrival at San Siro last year and has affirmed that he is happy in Milan, but Inter are braced for bids in the upcoming window.

Cameroon's Andre Onana pictured on November 24, 2022 © Reuters

Chelsea are believed to have taken an interest in the former Ajax man, with new head coach Mauricio Pochettino said to have given the green light to a summer swoop.

The Blues are set to lose at least one of Edouard Mendy or Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer, while they could try to use Inter's interest in Trevoh Chalobah to their advantage.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly taken a liking to Onana as well as the Lilywhites prepare for life after Hugo Lloris, whose 11-year stint in North London could come to an end this summer.

However, Corriere dello Sport - via Man Utd News - reports that Erik ten Hag is now pining for a reunion with Onana at Old Trafford following the pair's stint at Ajax.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper left Barcelona's academy in 2015 to join Ajax - two years before Ten Hag was appointed head coach - and the duo forged a highly successful relationship in Amsterdam.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on May 7, 2023 © Reuters

Onana won three Eredivisie titles under Ten Hag and was in between the sticks during Ajax's memorable run in the 2018-19 Champions League, which ended in semi-final heartbreak at the hands of Tottenham.

Despite Onana's long-running contract, the report adds that Inter could be tempted into a sale if they receive a fee between €40m (£34.3m) and €50m (£42.9m), and they already have a successor lined up in the shape of Empoli's Guglielmo Vicario.

David de Gea has fended off competition from Dean Henderson, Jack Butland and Tom Heaton to retain his status as the Red Devils' number one, and he won the 2022-23 Premier League Golden Glove with 17 clean sheets.

However, the Spaniard has come under fire for a spate of mistakes throughout the campaign, and he is yet to agree a new contract with Man United beyond the end of the season.

There is thought to be optimism that negotiations will lead to a positive solution, but Ten Hag has not been able to guarantee De Gea that he will remain the club's first-choice goalkeeper next season.