Chelsea to meet Inter Milan to discuss a swap deal involving £72 million man

Chelsea have already started their summer transfer planning as they aim to equip the new manager with the necessary resources to challenge on multiple fronts. The Blues consider upgrading the goalkeeper position a priority and the name of Andre Onana has been on their shortlist.

Chelsea have been firm on the idea of signing a new goalkeeper as either Kepa Arrizabalaga or Edouard Mendy will be shown the exit door. Kepa has not offered much assurance between the sticks meanwhile; Mendy remained on the sidelines for majority of the season because of a shoulder injury.

The Spaniard has played 33 games this term, conceding 33 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets. On the other hand, Mendy was the first choice keeper at the start of the season when Thomas Tuchel was in charge. The Senegalese made a total of 11 appearances and conceded 15 goals in the process.

Chelsea to discuss Andre Onana swap deal with Inter Milan

According to Evening Standard, CFC are set to meet Inter Milan next week to discuss the future of Romelu Lukaku and the prospect of Onana’s transfer to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea officials will travel to Italy with the agenda of discussing Lukaku and Onana.

Lukaku was signed on loan by Inter Milan last summer. Although the loan deal doesn’t include an option to buy clause but the Blues hoped that the Nerazzurri will approach Chelsea to sign the Belgian on a permanent basis. The former Everton striker has missed 18 games because of injury and has looked a shadow of himself, not creating the desired impact.

The financial pressure is mounting on Inter and they need to offload players to reduce the debts. Lukaku could be on his way back to Chelsea as potential new manager Mauricio Pochettino is ready to give the 29 year old a lifeline at Stamford Bridge.

CFC are admirers of Onana and view him as a replacement to either Kepa or Mendy. The Blues are ready to offer either of their keepers in a swap deal but there are no indications as of yet that Inter would prefer a swap deal or a larger transfer fee.

Chelsea’s shortlist also consists of Brentford’s David Raya, Brighton’s Roberto Sanchez, Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili. CFC are adamant to trim their squad size by selling a number of players in the summer transfer window.

Lukaku’s future still remains uncertain and if the Blues decide to not count on the Belgian, they will go into the market with the intention to sign a lethal striker.

Will CFC sign Andre Onana?