Chelsea Pull Out of Race to Sign Andre Onana: Who Are Their Alternative Targets?
Chelsea have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is expected to cost at least £50 million. The Blues are now said to be looking towards three alternative options to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga, as Edouard Mendy appears destined to leave. In this article, we take a closer look at Chelsea’s alternative targets and what they could bring to the team.
David Raya
David Raya is a name that has been heavily linked with Chelsea in recent weeks. The 25-year-old Brentford goalkeeper has been in impressive form this season, helping his side reach the Championship play-off final. Raya has made 46 appearances in all competitions this season, keeping 16 clean sheets along the way.
Raya is known for his shot-stopping abilities and his distribution skills, which could make him a good fit for Chelsea’s style of play. He is also comfortable playing out from the back, which is an important trait for any goalkeeper in modern football.
Gregor Kobel
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel is another name on Chelsea’s shortlist. The 23-year-old Swiss goalkeeper has had an impressive season in the Bundesliga, making 33 appearances and keeping nine clean sheets. Kobel is known for his agility and quick reflexes, which make him a formidable presence between the sticks.
Kobel is also comfortable playing with his feet, which is another important trait for any modern goalkeeper. He could be a good fit for Chelsea’s possession-based style of play, as he is able to distribute the ball accurately and quickly.
Giorgi Mamardashvili
Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is said to be Chelsea’s second-choice target behind Raya. The 22-year-old Georgian goalkeeper has been in impressive form for Valencia’s B team this season, making 21 appearances and keeping six clean sheets.
Mamardashvili is known for his shot-stopping abilities and his commanding presence in the penalty area. He is also comfortable playing out from the back, which could make him a good fit for Chelsea’s style of play.
Nicolas Jackson
Elsewhere, Chelsea have triggered the release clause for Villarreal star Nicolas Jackson. The 19-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has been in impressive form for Villarreal’s youth teams this season, and has been tipped for a bright future in the game.
While Jackson is unlikely to be an immediate solution to Chelsea’s goalkeeping problems, he could be a good long-term investment for the club. He is known for his shot-stopping abilities and his ability to command his area, and could develop into a top-class goalkeeper with the right coaching and development.
Conclusion
While Chelsea may have pulled out of the race to sign Andre Onana, they still have a number of alternative targets to choose from. David Raya, Gregor Kobel, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Nicolas Jackson all have their own unique strengths and abilities, and could be a good fit for Chelsea’s style of play. It remains to be seen who the Blues will ultimately choose to sign, but one thing is for sure – they will be looking for a goalkeeper who can help them compete at the highest level next season.