Chelsea are expected to have a busy summer transfer window, and one position they could strengthen is the goalkeeping area, with Andre Onana being one of the players linked.
Despite spending a record fee to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga to replace Thibaut Courtois, it is clear that the Spaniard has not lived up to the hype and the price-tag.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has even preferred Willy Caballero in place of Kepa of late, which shows his intent to either get more out of the latter, or signal to the board that they need to go after someone better in the summer.
As per Goal, Ajax star Onana could be open to a move to Stamford Bridge. Goal also claim that Onana prefers moving to the Premier League, so that could be a big boost for Chelsea.
Most top sides have a settled custodian, so Chelsea could be the favourites to sign him should they pursue his signature.
Andre Onana – The player Chelsea need?
Onana was one of the key performers for Ajax in their Champions League run up until the semi-finals before they were knocked out by Tottenham Hotspur.
Although the team were known primarily for their incredible spirit and dynamism in attack, the likes of Matthijs De Ligt and Andre Onana did a spectacular job at the back.
Onana’s reflexes are incredible as he is a pretty agile goalkeeper. Though Kepa can’t be blamed for his slow reaction or reflexes, one area where he has fallen short is judging the shots and his positioning, while his ability to compete with the more physical players in the Premier League has also been called into question.
The Cameroonian is an extremely athletic ‘keeper and is good at coming out and smothering chances. Still only 23, he can get even better.
The Premier League has several teams who rely on crosses and direct football, so Onana will have to improve his ability to catch the ball more often in set-piece situations and from open play.
He is, however, at an age where ‘keepers tend to make mistakes, but they do get better with time. Kepa himself is young and has a lot of time on his side, but someone like Onana would strengthen the squad considerably.
It remains to be seen what will be done with Kepa. Onana is likely to cost a bit of money, so Chelsea might have to offload Kepa first.
