Chelsea and Man Utd dealt blow as exit 'ruled out' for top transfer target

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:37 CDT
• 2 min read

Chelsea and Manchester United could miss out on one of their top transfer targets after Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta ruled out a departure for Andre Onana this summer.

Both United and Chelsea are in the market for a new goalkeeper and Onana is believed to be high on the wishlist for both clubs despite only joining Inter last summer.

The Cameroonian came through the academy at Barcelona before joining Ajax and is known for his ability to build from the back – a quality which Erik ten Hag at United and Chelsea’s prospective new manager Mauricio Pochettino are keen to instil in their respective sides.

ABOUT TIME!: Chelsea would FINALLY get a transfer right with Onana capture

However, Onana is just one year into a five-year deal with Inter and the Italian side are believed to be happy with the 27-year-old, with the club on the verge of reaching the Champions League final after a 2-0 first-leg win over rivals Milan in the semis.

While Inter may see interest in the likes of Denzel Dumfries and Nicolo Barella this summer, Marotta has rejected speculation that Onana could make a €40 million departure and claimed the keeper would not be sold.

“Onana leaving for €40m? I’d rule this out, honestly. We think he will stay,” Marotta said. “We have not received any offers and Onana is happy in Milan, he wants to stay here. We do not plan to sell him.”

Will Chelsea and Man Utd sign a new goalkeeper this summer?

Ten Hag is still hoping to bring a new goalkeeper to Old Trafford this summer after a string of recent errors by David de Gea, despite the 32-year-old being set to sign a new contract with United.

However, United will focus their resources on signing a striker this summer, with the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen on their shortlist – meaning a big money move for a goalkeeper could prove difficult.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to appoint Pochettino as their new manager and the ex-Tottenham boss is believed to have prioritised a goalkeeper as one of three positions to strengthen this summer.

REVEALED: Pochettino's three targets at Chelsea

Kepa Arrizabalaga has enjoyed a resurgence of form after reclaiming the number one spot at Chelsea this season but the Spaniard has seemingly failed to convince Pochettino of his credentials in goal.

Onana is expected to be pursued by both sides, while the likes of Emi Martinez, Jordan Pickford and David Raya are all also being considered by Chelsea and United.