Manchester United is reportedly hopeful of finalizing a deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana within the next 72 hours. Manager Erik ten Hag has identified the former Ajax shot-stopper as his top choice to replace David de Gea, who recently confirmed his exit from the club.
Over the past week, the Red Devils have intensified their efforts to bring Onana to Old Trafford. They made an opening bid of £38.5m, which was rejected by Inter Milan. However, Manchester United is said to be “really close” to reaching an agreement with the Nerazzurri, and Onana is rumored to have already agreed on personal terms with the club.
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport via The Mirror, Manchester United aims to finalize the fee with Inter Milan before Onana is due to report back for pre-season on July 13. The report suggests that the Red Devils are hoping to secure the signature of the ex-Cameroon international for €50m (£42.9m). However, a separate report from Sky Sports News challenges these claims and states that Inter has set an asking price of €60m (£51.4m) and is unwilling to negotiate.
Despite the discrepancy in valuation, there is reportedly a “willingness” from all parties involved to reach a deal this week. Onana has expressed his desire to reunite with Ten Hag at Manchester United, and the club is eager to secure his services.
Onana, who previously played for Barcelona’s youth system, was the undisputed number one for Ten Hag at Ajax. However, he received a nine-month suspension in early 2021 for a failed doping test. After leaving Ajax alongside Ten Hag last summer, Onana joined Inter Milan on a free transfer and had an impressive debut season, recording 19 clean sheets from 41 games. He also helped Inter reach the Champions League final, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
While Onana’s arrival would provide a long-term solution in goal for Inter, the club is already considering possible replacements. They are reportedly interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris and Bayern Munich’s Yann Sommer. Paris Saint-Germain may also be competing for Lloris’s signature.
In addition to Onana, Manchester United is also rumored to be tracking Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. This comes as Dean Henderson is expected to depart permanently, alongside David de Gea.
Manchester United’s preseason preparations are underway, with their first friendly against Leeds United scheduled in Oslo on Wednesday. The match could see the debut of new signing Mason Mount, who recently joined the club.
