Inter Milan Invite Chelsea to Challenge Manchester United for Andre Onana

Inter Milan attempted to spark a bidding war for Andre Onana by inviting Chelsea to challenge Manchester United for the Cameroonian’s signature.

The 27-year-old completed a £44million move to Old Trafford last week, bringing United’s month-long pursuit of the goalkeeper to an end.

The former Ajax ace was Erik ten Hag’s first choice to replace David De Gea, who left the club at the end of his contract on July 1st.

Inter Milan Open to Selling Onana

Inter made it clear from the start of their negotiations with United that they were open to selling Onana, which smoothed the process.

The Italians’ stance was forged by their need to sell before buying, and they’ve been in a well-publicised tangle with Chelsea over a bid to sign Romelu Lukaku.

However, despite being open to selling Onana, Inter were unimpressed with United’s opening bid of around £32m.

They felt this was unacceptable, and immediately rejected the offer.

Onana kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the Champions League last season and Inter knew United were desperate, given De Gea had already announced his departure from the club.

Inter Invite Chelsea to Bid for Onana

While Inter knew they would eventually sell Onana, they attempted to drive up the price by inviting Chelsea to bid for the goalkeeper, according to the Athletic.

Mauricio Pochettino is keen to play with a ‘modern’ goalkeeper and he sanctioned Edouard Mendy’s departure to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.

That leaves Kepa as first choice and the Spaniard’s difficulties at Stamford Bridge have been well documented.

Chelsea Decline Chance to Challenge United for Onana

However, Chelsea declined the chance to challenge United for Onana as Pochettino has other priorities this summer and the club are confined by Financial Fair Play rules.

That’s despite Chelsea making over £200m in player sales this summer.

More than one-quarter of that was made via the Blues’ decision to allow Mason Mount to join United in a £55m deal.