CHELSEA have received a boost in their double bid to sign a new keeper and resolve their standoff with unsettled striker Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues are eyeing Inter keeper Andre Onana and are now ready to make their move following the Italians’ Champions League defeat against Manchester City on Saturday night.
Andre Onana was on the losing side as Man City beat Inter in the Champions League final but could win a lucrative move to Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku, on loan at Inter from Chelsea, may be involved any Onana deal
Inter have already found a replacement in Guglielmo Vicario, from Serie A rivals Empoli.
But they are still demanding around £55million for Onana who kept Man City’s formidable striker Erling Haaland at bay in the Champions League final in Istanbul.
He was beaten only by a surprise shot from midfielder Rodri which sealed victory for the Premier League champions.
Incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is a huge admirer of Onana and is eager to get a deal done.
News that Inter will now push to sign Vicario will be most welcome for the Argentine as he prepares to take over officially from July 1.
Lukaku played alongside Onana against City in what may have been his last game for Inter before the end of his loan from Chelsea.
The Belgian is due back for talks with Pochettino but would prefer to remain in Italy.
There have been talks about a possible swap deal with unwanted Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly thrown in.
But the breakthrough may now come if, as expected, Inter secure a deal for Vicario to replace Onana.
Chelsea’s two keepers, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, face uncertain futures at the club as part of a major overhaul of the squad.
Mendy cannot agree terms on a new contract at Stamford Bridge and world record £72million Kepa has still not fully convinced a succession of coaches that he is good enough.
Onana, 27, has also retired from international football so can commit fully to Chelsea.
Chelsea have embarked on a clearout of players to reduce their outgoings and to give the squad a makeover after they finished a lowly 12th in the Premier League last season – their lowest position since 1996.
Forward Joao Felix has been sent back to Atletico Madrid at the end of his loan, midfielder N’Golo Kante is poised to join Saudi club Al-Ittihad, midfielder Mason Mount is wanted by Manchester United and Kai Havertz is a target for Real Madrid.
Centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly could also be used as bait for Onana
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