Chelsea are continuing to monitor Andre Onana at Ajax as a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan. It is believed that the Blues would be able to sign the Ajax goalkeeper for around €30 million – a hefty amount cheaper than the €80 million they paid for Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea Continuing to Monitor Ajax’s Andre Onana
Doubts Over Arrizabalaga
Since arriving from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, Arrizabalaga has never truly convinced anyone that he could be the long-term number one for Chelsea.
The latest in a series of poor performances came on Saturday in the Blues’ 3-0 defeat away at Sheffield United.
While some praised his initial save for David McGoldrick’s opener in the defeat, others felt he could have done more to keep the ball away from the on-rushing Blades striker.
The big error, though, was for Oli McBurnie’s header, where Arrizabalaga appeared flat-footed and didn’t even dive for the ball, which nestled in the bottom corner.
Chelsea Like What They See in Onana
According to the report by The Athletic, Chelsea are particularly impressed by Onana’s shot-stopping and the ability to comfortably play with the ball at his feet.
Onana, too, is reported to be intrigued by the idea of playing in the Premier League. The chance of returning to Barcelona is slim because of all the off-field issues going on at the club. He could, though, remain at Ajax. The Dutch champions are in a strong position financially and will be in no hurry to part with another prized asset.
Indeed, Chelsea have already done business with Ajax having signed Hakim Ziyech back in February.
A key stumbling block will be whether Chelsea can recoup a lot of the fee they paid for Arrizabalaga. As well, the decision-makers at the club are still deciding whether this lack of form is a blip or whether it really is time to replace their goalkeeper.
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