Chelsea are reportedly hoping to use new arrival Hakim Ziyech to beat rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana in the summer.
As per a report from Daily Mail, Chelsea are hoping to enlist the help of incoming star Hakim Ziyech to try and sign Ajax star Andre Onana in the summer transfer window. The Cameroonian goalkeeper is also a target for Chelsea’s local rivals Tottenham.
Chelsea have already completed a major transfer deal ahead of the next season, having confirmed the signing of Ziyech from Ajax with the Moroccan international set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer. And now, the Blues are planning to use their new star to convince Andre Onana to snub Tottenham and join them.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is understood to be in the market for a new goalkeeper, having not been totally convinced by current No. 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Blues’ boss had dropped Kepa for a run of games recently, but the Spaniard has won his place back in the side after impressing in the 2-0 FA Cup win against Liverpool.
However, with deputy Willy Caballero nearing 40, a new goalkeeper should be high on Chelsea’s transfer list and Onana has emerged as a viable target for the West London outfit. The 23-year-old, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy joined Ajax in January 2015 and has since become an integral member of the side.
Till date, Onana has already amassed 178 appearances for the Ditch heavyweights winning an Eredivisie title along with the Dutch Cup and the Dutch Super Cup. In the ongoing season, the Cameroonian has played 39 times in all competitions, securing 15 clean sheets in the process.
Onana has the potential to be an excellent addition to this Chelsea side. But, the Blues will have to battle with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in order to secure the Ajax star’s signing.
Tottenham are also heavily interested in signing the Cameroonian as they seek a long-term replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, whose form has taken a hit this season. Backup goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga has failed to step up in his captain’s absence, which has led to the Lilywhites eyeing a summer move for Onana.
With a transfer battle between the two London giants on the cards, Chelsea are looking to use Ziyech, who is a good friend of Onana, to try and beat Tottenham to the goalkeeper’s signing.
Onana signed a new contract in March last year, extending his stay at Ajax till 2022. However, the 23-year-old is believed to be keen on securing an exit from the club in the summer. It will be interesting to see where the Ajax star ends up come next season.
