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Chelsea set to hand Mauricio Pochettino final say on major £40m call before making transfer decision

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(Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Chelsea are making attempts to try to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan this summer, according to reports.

The club are in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer as they look for a long-term number one replacement for Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

They have been unable to agree a new contract with Mendy, who is now expected to be sold according to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, while offers for Kepa are likely to be listened to and considered. However, the Spaniard’s high wages could prove a stumbling block over his Stamford Bridge departure this summer.

Chelsea have been previously linked with Brentford’s David Raya and Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

However, Chelsea have already been holding talks with Inter Milan over Onana in recent weeks over a potential transfer for the 27-year-old.

Now Matt Law reports that Chelsea are ‘trying to manoeuvre themselves into pole position’ to land the Cameroon international this summer ahead of a whole host of European clubs.

Inter Milan could demand £40 million for Onana despite signing him on a free transfer from Ajax last summer.

However, a final decision will be left down to expected incoming head coach Mauricio Pochettino over whether or not they press on with their interest in Onana to try to reach an agreement.

Pochettino is in advanced talks with Chelsea and an offer is on the table, according to reports, with the Blues said to be ‘optimistic’ over concluding negotiations for the 51-year-old to take over at Stamford Bridge from next season.

Chelsea are reportedly keen on strengthening three positions this summer; bringing in a goalkeeper, a midfielder and a striker.

However, the ‘majority of their focus’ will be on trimming their bloated squad to ensure Pochettino doesn’t suffer from the same problems previous permanent bosses Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter had.

Co-controlling owner Todd Boehly has insisted the ownership will learn from their mistakes, hoping to avoid a repeat of this campaign next term, admitting: “The fans are demanding and they want to win. We get that, we want to win. Our view though is that this is a long term project, and we’re committed to the long term, and we very much believe that we’re going to figure it out.”

Chelsea will welcome back Malo Gusto to the club once his Lyon loan deal concludes at the end of the season following his January transfer. Christopher Nkunku is also expected to complete his summer transfer from RB Leipzig as plans continue to come to fruition ahead of the 2023/24 season.

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