Transfer: Chelsea declined chance to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan

Chelsea declined the chance to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana when the Cameroonian was playing for Inter Milan.

Onana completed a £44 million move to Man United last week, replacing goalkeeper David de Gea.

The 27-year-old was Man United manager Erik ten Hag’s first choice to replace De Gea, who left Old Trafford at the end of his contract earlier this month.

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

The Serie A club’s stance was informed by their need to sell before buying, and they have been in a well-publicised tangle with Chelsea over a bid to sign striker Romelu Lukaku.

However, despite being open to selling Onana, Inter Milan were unimpressed with the Red Devils’ opening bid of around £32 million and immediately rejected the offer.

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

But Chelsea declined the chance to challenge Man United for Onana as Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has other priorities this summer and the Blues are confined by Financial Fair Play rules.

Pochettino is also keen to play with a ‘modern’ keeper, and he sanctioned Edouard Mendy’s departure to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer, keeping Kepa Arrizabalaga as his first choice.