In the latest transfer news, Manchester United is said to be edging closer to securing a deal for Andre Onana, the talented goalkeeper from Inter Milan. Last season, the 27-year-old showcased his skills after joining Inter from Ajax, impressing with 41 appearances across all competitions and keeping an impressive 19 clean sheets.
With David de Gea’s contract set to expire at the end of June, Man United is actively searching for a new number one goalkeeper this summer, and it seems that Onana has emerged as their top choice. Initially, the English champions’ offer of €40 million (£34.1 million) plus €5 million (£4.3 million) in add-ons was turned down by Inter Milan.
However, Man United did not give up and raised their bid to €50 million (£43 million), including add-ons, on Friday. This new offer brings them closer to Inter’s asking price, which is believed to be around €60 million (£51.4 million). Notably, respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reveals that Man United is now on the brink of finalizing the deal after a positive round of negotiations.
According to Romano, the agreement between the two parties could be reached by the end of next week, as personal terms have already been agreed upon. In fact, Man United is so confident in securing the transfer that they expect Onana to join them on their pre-season tour of the United States. Head coach Erik ten Hag is determined to integrate the goalkeeper into the team as soon as possible.
One of the key reasons Man United is pursuing Onana is his exceptional ball-playing abilities. De Gea struggled in this aspect during Ten Hag’s first season in charge, making Onana an ideal fit for the team. It is believed that the player has agreed to a four-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option for an additional season. Additionally, he is expected to receive a salary increase compared to his current earnings at Inter.
While there have been reports linking Onana to several Saudi Arabian clubs, it appears that he is solely focused on a move to Old Trafford. This could be attributed to his previous collaboration with Ten Hag at Ajax, where he made 214 appearances and kept 85 clean sheets in all competitions.
If the deal goes through, Onana will become Manchester United’s second signing of the summer transfer window, following the recent acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea. Moreover, the Red Devils are also eyeing Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, and there are rumors of a potential loan move involving Mason Greenwood heading in the opposite direction for the 2023-24 season.