Pochettino greenlights Chelsea’s pursuit of 27-year-old Serie A shot-stopper

Mauricio Pochettino keen for Chelsea to land Inter Milan star Andre Onana

According to the Inter Live, (h/t Daily Mail), Mauricio Pochettino has given Chelsea permission to pursue Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana in the summer transfer window.

The Blues have made recruiting a custodian for next season a priority after Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy failed to make their case this season. Bringing in a reliable last line of defense is a priority rather than a luxury at this moment in time.

Meanwhile, Pochettino has agreed to take over as Blues manager for the upcoming season and appears to be on board regarding Onana’s potential arrival.

Chelsea could opt to use Mateo Kovacic in a swap deal for Onana. The Croatian’s future at Stamford Bridge is far from certain and he could return to the Giuseppe Meazza, a place he called home from 2013-15.

Chelsea previously attempted to offer Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah as makeweights for Onana. However, it got us no closer to landing the Cameroonian.

This season, Kepa’s incompetence has culminated in Chelsea failing to maintain regular clean sheets, while Mendy has been sidelined for most of the games. He did, however, return to duty against Nottingham Forest, conceding two goals and making an error that contributed to Forest’s opening goal as he failed to punch the ball away.

The Blues have three games left to play before the end of the season, which will also see the conclusion of Frank Lampard’s interim spell at Chelsea.

At 27, Onana is in his prime and also aided Inter’s journey to the UEFA Champions League final. An excellent shot-stopper who is also adept with the ball at his feet, Chelsea could have a real star on their hands.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea best Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund to sign Kendry Paez
• Chelsea deem Inter Milan’s asking price for Andre Onana too expensive
• Charlie Adam believes Mauricio Pochettino could send Mykhaylo Mudryk out on loan

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a new goalkeeper and are eyeing Mendy. It is in our best interests to milk them for top dollar, helping us eventually finance a move for Onana.