Andre Onana in action for Inter Milan
Chelsea have made an enquiry about signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer, according to reports from Italy.
The Lowdown: Long-term target
The Blues have been linked with Onana as far back as 2020, at which point Frank Lampard was considering the goalkeeper as a potential replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, and he was said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Almost three years on, Graham Potter is also unconvinced by Kepa, meaning the Inter Milan shot-stopper could reemerge as a transfer target for Chelsea, however the west London club are believed to be weighing up a number of options.
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel is one player that the Blues are ‘very interested’ in, while they are said to have previously made contact with Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
The Latest: Contact made
According to a report from TuttoMercatoWeb, Chelsea have enquired about the Cameroon international, however they may face competition for his signature, given that a number of Premier League teams are following him with great interest.
The Blues are targeting a new goalkeeper as Edouard Mendy is destined to say goodbye in the summer transfer window, and Todd Boehly is keen to secure a replacement.
Bringing in a new option between the sticks is believed to be one of the owner’s main priorities in the next transfer window, and he has now started to gather detailed information on the Inter keeper.
The Verdict: Get it done?
Lauded as a ‘superstar’ by journalist Oma Akatugba, the 26-year-old has recorded a seriously impressive save percentage over the past year, stopping 80% of the shots that he has faced, placing him in the 98th percentile compared to other top goalkeepers.
As a result, the Cameroonian also ranks in the 97th percentile for his clean sheet percentage, shutting out the opposition in 50% of all the games he has played during the same timeframe, while his willingness to get on the ball is displayed by an average of 42.75 touches per 90.
The former Ajax man has performed better than Mendy and Kepa in almost all key metrics for goalkeepers, indicating he would be a real upgrade for Potter between the sticks.
He also has proven experience performing at the top level, with Onana starring in Inter’s 0-0 draw against Porto on Tuesday night, making six saves, including three from inside the penalty area to help his team progress to the Champions League quarter final.
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