Inter Milan and Man United could hammer out a deal for goalkeeper Andre Onana later this week.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the two clubs will meet soon and are in a hurry to try and finalize a deal – if it’s going to happen, it has to happen now.
Man United have made clear that they want Onana.
Red Devils coach Erik Ten Hag has indicated a clear preference for a goalkeeper capable of playing the ball with his feet. This is more or less pushing current United Number One David De Gea out the door.
Whilst the Spaniard hasn’t been altogether exiled, it now looks likely that he’ll leave at the expiration of his contract. United have already decided against a previously-agreed-upon extension for the 32-year-old.
Inter Milan & Man United To Accelerate Andre Onana Talks
That means that United want to quickly move for a replacement for De Gea.
Ten Hag, who worked with Onana at Ajax, has always made clear that he would like to move for the Cameroonian. Now, that appears to be United’s plans.
The Premier League giants would want Onana in the squad for the start of their preseason in the first week of July. As such, they have no intention of waiting long to make a deal.
Neither do Inter.
The Nerazzurri won’t be keen to have the transfer saga drag on into a protracted will-they-or-won’t-they situation.
If Inter are to sell Onana, they want to rip the band-aid off right away. Then, they can move forward with receiving the fee, reinvesting in other areas, and replacing Onana.
To this end, Nerazzurri Sporting Director Piero Ausilio will meet with United very soon. They could conclude talks by Friday.
Inter have made their asking price for Onana very clear. They want a minimum of €50 million plus add-ons. All-important is whether or not United will put this much on the table right away.
Inter Could Seek Experienced Goalkeeper To Replace Onana
If Onana heads to Old Trafford, Inter will certainly need to sign a replacement.
The Nerazzurri have already missed out on Empoli star Guglielmo Vicario who has joined Tottenham Hotspur.
Meanwhile, Inter are also keen on Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, Los Che are demanding €30 million for the 22-year-old Georgian international, which is putting the Nerazzurri off.
Accordingly, the Gazzetta report, Inter could instead seek out a more experienced profile.
According to the newspaper, the Nerazzurri are tracking all of Bayern Munich’s Yann Sommer, Nottingham Forest’s Keylor Navas, and Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris.
