Chelsea are cooling their pursuit of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana as Mauricio Pochettino is prepared to back Kepa Arrizabalaga.
This according to UK broadcaster Sky Sports, via FCInterNews, who report that the newly-appointed Blues coach is ready to make an abrupt U-turn in the goalkeeper position and put his faith in Kepa as first-choice keeper for next season.
Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea are pushing to sign Inter keeper Onana for next season.
The Blues have reportedly been looking for a new first-choice goalkeeper. This is because neither of Kepa nor former Rennes star Edouard Mendy have been deemed sufficient in the role.
As such, Onana has come onto the Blues’ radar.
Whilst the Premier League giants have also considered alternatives like young Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, Onana has seemingly been their first choice.
Chelsea and Inter are ready to meet for a round of transfer talks this week. The expectation has been that the Blues would ask the Nerazzurri about the possibility of signing Onana.
In any event, the Nerazzurri would only be willing to let the Cameroonian leave for a very large fee.
Chelsea Make Onana U-Turn After Pochettino Backs Kepa
According to Sky Sports, however, Chelsea may completely change their strategy in the goalkeeping position.
Rather than making a big money move for a target like Onana, the broadcaster reports, they could stick with what they already have.
Kepa has not always inspired confidence during his time at Stamford Bridge. Particularly in his first couple seasons after joining Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, the Spaniard made some high-profile errors.
This has led to expectations that the Blues will ship Kepa out sooner or later. Reports have even suggested that they could offer him to Inter as part of a deal for Onana.
However, Sky Sports reports, Pochettino is prepared to give Kepa another chance.
The newly-appointed coach could make the 28-year-old the Number One next season, avoiding having to go after a big name target.
