Mauricio Pochettino ‘gives Chelsea the green light to seal the transfer of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana’ and Mateo Kovacic could be ‘included in the swap deal’ as the club prepares summer spending under the new manager
- Mauricio Pochettino reportedly got to work planning Chelsea transfers
- A new goalkeeper is a priority with Inter Milan’s Andre Onana on their shortlist
- Mateo Kovacic could be included in a swap deal and return to his former club
New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has given Chelsea the green light to transfer Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer, according to reports.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy unconvincing so far this campaign, the change of dugout will likely result in a change between the sticks.
Pochettino has agreed terms to take charge of Stamford Bridge from the start of next season and he has wasted no time planning the club’s transfer business.
There will certainly be departures too, with midfielder Mateo Kovacic tipped to exit.
And, as stated Inter live, it can be used in a swap deal for Onana. Apparently the stopper is a priority target for Pochettino and Kovacic’s return to San Siro, where he plied his trade between 2013 and 2015, is a potential sweetener.
Chelsea are preparing a transfer for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to reports
Mauricio Pochettino has reached a deal to take over and is already preparing transfers
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic could be used as a counterbalance in a potential swap deal for Onana
Kovacic’s contract is set to expire in 2024 and he has been linked with a move away from the capital in recent weeks, with Manchester City eyeing him.
But in Chelsea’s latest effort to secure a partial swap deal for Onana, Kovacic has now reportedly been offered as a counterweight. The same outlet adds that Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah were also cast unsuccessfully.
But above all, Kovacic would be ready to return to Serie A.
There is, however, a reluctance at Inter to part ways with Onana. Indeed, the report says the stopper is essential to Simone Inzaghi’s project, proven by his ability to usurp the experienced Samir Handanovic to become the new No.1.
Onana also proved crucial in the club’s run to the Champions League final.
Negotiations between Inter and Chelsea are set to 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 number 1 this season, but a new stopper is now a priority
Edouard Mendy should leave this summer and Tottenham would like him
Spurs captain Hugo Lloris could leave after 11 years due to ailing form and expiring contract
The striker joined the Blues for £97.5m two years ago but after struggling to live up to expectations found himself on loan before the start of this season.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly keen to make a surprise move for Mendy in their search for a replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, who is set to leave.
Lloris spent 11 years at the club but, due to his ailing form and expiring contract, he is said to be heading for the exit door.
As a result, Spurs could make the search for a new goalkeeper a priority this summer, with The sun reporting that they have their eyes on Mendy.
