Chelsea have been given a fresh incentive to turn their attention away from Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana and towards Porto number one Diogo Costa
The 23-year-old has emerged as an option for the Blues as they look to add quality and depth to their goalkeeping department following the departure of Edouard Mendy. The 31-year-old left three years after signing for the club following 18 months of poor form and injury issues.
Mendy was usurped by Kepa Arrizabalaga in a reversal of the roles from 2020 when the Senegal star arrived for just £20million and quickly became the first choice at Stamford Bridge. Kepa's return to form and unexpected resurgence has left the spot uncertain heading into Mauricio Pochettino's first summer in charge.
Whilst Marcus Bettinelli is now the only other senior 'keeper on the books, Gabriel Slonina was signed last year as a promising up-and-coming option and may yet remain to stay and fight for his place. However, with the exit of Mendy and the need for more security in the position, fresh options from elsewhere are being considered.
Chelsea had spoken to Inter over the availability of of Onana last month during discussions for the transfer of Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly, football.london understands. It was also believed that Cesar Azpilicueta would be heading to San Siro but he now looks set to join Atletico Madrid.
Onana, who was a target for Chelsea in 2019 when first looking to replace Kepa, is now not seen as a viable option with a price tag of over £50million placed on him. The same is the case for Mike Maignan of AC Milan, and Onana was seen as a more likely option, showing the challenge ahead of Pochettino when looking to add to his options in goal.
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Attention now appears to have turned towards Portugal star, Costa, who kept 16 clean sheets for Porto last season. With another giant valuation and a contract until 2027, it is far from a formality that he joins, but Manchester United's push to sign Onana may force Chelsea's hand somewhat.
Erik ten Hag's men are looking for a new first choice addition to rival Dean Henderson and potentially David De Gea with the Spaniard having a far-from-certain future at Old Trafford. His deal expired on June 30, leaving him open to move for free, but the Red Devils have been discussing a new contract for months.
Now, it appears their focus has turned to Onana. Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta confirmed the interest, saying: “Manchester United confirmed to us that they’re interested in André Onana.
“We are waiting for an official proposal in the next days, then we will decide how to react right after."
For Chelsea, who are already set to see Mason Mount move to Manchester in a deal worth up to £60million, losing out on Onana would be a serious blow as well. However, it would also open up the chance to have a run at Costa.
He opened up on a potential exit earlier in the window, too, saying of links to United: "That’s the internet. It is a happiness and an honour to play for my favourite club. What they say is what they say, there is nothing concrete, I have a contract until 2027 and I hope to continue, let’s see."
