Chelsea identify two top targets to strengthen goalkeeper options
Chelsea will step up plans for their goalkeeping position, with Andre Onana and Mike Maignan the club’s top targets.
New head coach Mauricio Pochettino is also likely to be asked whether he would object to starting the season with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his No 1, with a number of options still believed to be open.
It is thought that Pochettino would ideally like to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but only for the right price with AC Milan keen to keep Maignan and Inter Milan valuing Onana at around £50 million.
Internal talks are planned around which goalkeeper to make a serious bid for, with Chelsea already scheduling talks with both Milan clubs over a host of players.
AC Milan had been on the verge of sealing a £15 million move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek before Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara were sacked, while the club have also been credited with an interest in Christian Pulisic, who Chelsea will allow to leave.
Chelsea must speak to Inter Milan about the future of Romelu Lukaku, whose loan period has now finished. The Belgian will be offered the opportunity to return to London to work with Pochettino, but is thought to favour staying in Italy.
Pochettino is open to working with any player who wants to improve under him and play for Chelsea, but is unlikely to want anyone who would rather be elsewhere.
Interestingly, Chelsea also hold an interest in Inter forward Lautaro Martinez, but are likely to face competition from Real Madrid for the Argentine.
Chelsea may also be willing to offer Kalidou Koulibaly to Inter Milan, but they are not the only club interested in Onana and Maignan, with Manchester United thought to be looking for a new goalkeeper.
While Onana and Maignan are Chelsea’s top targets for the goalkeeping position, the prospect of starting next season with Kepa as Pochettino’s No 1 has not yet been ruled out.
Chelsea have already demonstrated a willingness to pull out of a deal they feel is too expensive, having dropped out of the bidding for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte, and could do so again if the demands for Onana and Maignan are too high.
Edouard Mendy is likely to be made available for transfer, but Chelsea will be aware that selling or even loaning out Kepa is likely to be very difficult and that will be discussed within the club’s planning process over goalkeepers.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is training with England’s senior team this week. With Lewis Dunk already pulling out through injury, Colwill could be required to provide cover for the Malta game if there are any further withdrawals at the back with Gareth Southgate yet to check on Manchester City duo John Stones and Kyle Walker.
Colwill will still be part of England’s squad for the European Under-21 Championships.
