Following Hakim Ziyech, Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana could join Chelsea this summer.
According to The Sun, Chelsea could be one of the destinations for Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana as the former La Masia graduate is poised for a summer departure. PSG also turns out to be one of the potential suitors for Onana, who is rated at £35m. The Cameroonian international has also been linked with the likes of Tottenham and Barcelona, indicating that he is a player in great demand.
Onana – an in-demand goalkeeper in Europe
There is no wonder why Onana has been on the radar of Europe’s elite after what he has achieved with the Amsterdam-based outfit. The season which brought him enough limelight was the 18/19 campaign, where Ajax enjoyed the success of domestic treble while proving rampant in the Champions League – reaching the semi-finals. The 24-year-old found himself as indisputable between the sticks for the club, playing more than 150 games since joining them in 2015. While securing the third highest clean sheets in the recently concluded Eredivisie campaign, he topped the list with 16 clean sheets last term.
Chelsea’s hunt for a shot-stopper
Chelsea are clearly in the market for a new shot-stopper as the future of Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Blues’ No.1, remains uncertain at the Stamford Bridge. The former Athletic Club youngster has endured an erratic season which saw him go down the pecking order lately under Frank Lampard. From being the most expensive goalkeeper to becoming a bench-warmer, the time has been cruel for the Spaniard at the Stamford Bridge. Willy Caballero took the onus on Kepa’s absence and the scenario is likely to continue once the Premier League returns next week.
Furthermore, Kepa has been linked with a summer exit – no surprise after what he had witnessed this season – as Valencia are looking to sign him with loan status.
Onana can easily chip in under Lampard’s 11 given his good ball-playing ability – not to mention his shot-stopping abilities and quick reflexes – which could enhance their build-up play from the back. At the same time, Onana’s price tag also doesn’t seem to be heftier – which could make him a productive signing.
The Blues might have a strong attacking line-up at their disposal – including the links of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz – and the addition of Onana would make them a strong contender for the Premier League title next season.
