Mauricio Pochettino 'gives Chelsea green light for Andre Onana move'
Reports indicate that incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has given the green light for the club to pursue a summer move for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. This decision comes as both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have been underwhelming in their performances this season, leading to a potential change in the goalkeeping position at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino has already agreed to take charge of Chelsea from the start of the next season and is wasting no time in planning the club's transfer activities. It is expected that there will be some departures as well, with midfielder Mateo Kovacic being one of the players tipped to leave.
According to Inter Live, Kovacic could potentially be included in a swap deal for Onana. The goalkeeper is a priority target for Pochettino, and the return of Kovacic to Inter, where he previously played from 2013 to 2015, could serve as a tempting incentive for the Italian club.
Kovacic's contract is set to expire in 2024, and he has recently been linked with a move away from Chelsea, with Manchester City reportedly interested. In an effort to secure a part-exchange for Onana, Chelsea has reportedly offered Kovacic as a makeweight. However, the same report mentions that Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Nathaniel Chalobah were also suggested but without success.
Crucially, Kovacic is said to be open to returning to Inter. Nevertheless, Inter seems reluctant to part ways with Onana, as he is considered indispensable to Simone Inzaghi's project. Onana has surpassed the experienced Samir Handanovic to become Inter's new number one goalkeeper and has been instrumental in the club's journey to the Champions League final.
Negotiations between Inter and Chelsea are expected to take place throughout the summer, regardless of the pursuit of Onana. The future of Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan, is also uncertain, and this could further impact the transfer discussions between the two clubs.
In a surprising turn of events, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Mendy as they search for a replacement for their captain Hugo Lloris, who is expected to leave. Lloris has been with Tottenham for 11 years, but his form has declined, and with his contract set to expire, he is rumored to be on his way out. Therefore, Spurs may prioritize finding a new goalkeeper this summer, with Mendy on their radar, according to The Sun.
Overall, the transfer market is heating up, and negotiations between clubs are expected to intensify as the summer progresses.
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