Ajax Amsterdam rejects Bayer Leverkusen bid for Andre Onana
According to the Sun, Chelsea are set to face off against Bayer Leverkusen for Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Andre Onana. The 24-year-old is a key target for Chelsea as the club looks to replace an underperforming Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Although the Blues have identified Atletico Madrid custodian Jan Oblak as their preferred choice, the deal could be difficult to pull off. Not only will it cost us a king’s ransom but Diego Simeone has revealed that his goalkeeper is going nowhere.
Onana, on the other hand, represents a cheaper alternative who is also proven at the highest level. He played a key role in Ajax’s dream run to the Champions League semifinals in 2019.
His ability has also garnered the attention of Leverkusen, who have made an opening bid of £18m for him. Thankfully for us, it was rejected. Onana has just two tears left on his current contract and is keen to leave the Dutch giants this summer.
He will cost Chelsea in the region of £26.9m. The Dutch giants look set to stick to their valuation. The same was confirmed by Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar, who has revealed that Onana will not be allowed to leave for a reduced fee this summer.
With us looking to work out a deal for Kai Havertz, Leverkusen could soon make use of that money to meet Ajax’s valuation. Given the potential Havertz has, missing out on Onana is something Chelsea fans could accept.
The fact, however, remains that we need a new goalkeeper. It is difficult to see how we can lure the other top keepers such as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Alisson Becker. Of the top ones, Oblak, ironically, is the most attainable.
The Blues are also keeping tabs on United star Dean Henderson and Burnley keeper Nick Pope.
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- Chelsea identify three replacements for Kepa Arrizabalaga
If Onana does move to Stamford Bridge, he will be the second Ajax star to do so this summer. The Blues have already signed playmaker Hakim Ziyech.