Manchester United has reportedly joined Chelsea in pursuing Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana, as they consider him a potential replacement for David De Gea.
Manchester United’s contract with De Gea expires on June 30, and despite reports of a two-year extension agreement, the club has not finalized the necessary paperwork. Consequently, United is actively considering alternative options, with their attention now turned toward the 27-year-old Onana, as reported by The Athletic.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, highly esteems Onana due to their past collaboration during their shared tenure at Ajax. Onana’s proficiency in ball distribution and confidence in playing out from the back makes him an ideal candidate. However, acquiring his services won’t come cheap, considering his contract with Inter runs until 2027. The Serie A side will likely demand around £70 million in transfer fees.
If De Gea leaves the club, Manchester United is expected to pursue Onana actively. Conversely, if De Gea stays, Manchester United may loan out Dean Henderson to Nottingham Forest, as the Championship club eagerly awaits an opportunity to submit a formal bid once the situation becomes clearer. In that case, Manchester United would look to secure a backup goalkeeper, and they have already identified Anderlecht’s Bart Verbruggen as a potential option. Verbruggen has also attracted interest from Burnley and Brighton.
Manchester United has already exercised a one-year extension on Tom Heaton’s contract, which indicates the uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeping situation at the club.
However, Chelsea poses stiff competition for United in pursuing Onana, as the Blues are prepared to spend generously to secure a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Ten Hag has also expressed the need for a top-quality midfielder and a forward, which could limit their budget for pursuing Onana.
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