Despite recently securing Mason Mount's signature from Chelsea, Manchester United's ongoing pursuit of Inter Milan's Andre Onana is met with some resistance. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, who once played under United's Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is eyed to don the gloves next season. However, the negotiations have become a test of patience and resolve for the Red Devils.
In light of David de Gea's future uncertainty, United's priority is to fortify their goalkeeping department. Inter Milan rebuffed United's latest €50m bid (€45m + €5m), according to trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, delaying the club's plans. Nevertheless, United remains hopeful about the transfer, given Inter's ongoing search for a new custodian, suggesting Onana might be on the move.
Inter Milan have told #mufc that their €50m bid is not enough to close a deal for André Onana. The clubs remain locked in negotiations and the feeling is still that a €55m bid could be enough to complete a deal in the next days. @FabrizioRomano — UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) July 6, 2023
Manchester United's eagerness to secure a top-tier goalkeeper matches their ambitions in the transfer market this summer. Having wrapped up Mount's arrival, a striker is also on their checklist. Victor Osimhen, Rasmus Højlund, and Randal Kolo Muani are all reported targets for the forward line. Amidst the incoming, exits are anticipated to create financial room.
On the Onana front, Romano conveyed, "Inter told Manchester United that €50m bid is not enough to proceed and close André Onana deal. Inter rejected €45m plus €5m but clubs remain locked in negotiations - sources still on same feeling, €55m fee could be enough to get it done in the next days." Subsequently, Yann Sommer is being considered as a potential replacement for Onana at Inter.
Undeterred by Inter's rejection of the initial bid, United has upped their game and tabled an improved second offer for the 27-year-old Cameroonian. Their initial €40 million (£34.1m) plus €5m (£4.3m) add-ons offer was dismissed, leading them to return with a robust €50m (€45m + €5m add-ons) proposal. Rumor has it that a €55m bid might be the golden ticket for United.
Onana, who left Ajax for Inter last year, is considered a valuable asset, making a significant impression during his debut season in Italy. Having kept 19 clean sheets across all competitions, Onana played a vital role in Inter's Champions League journey. His stellar performances and reliability in front of goal have caught ten Hag's attention, and United are determined to see him at Old Trafford.
United's goalkeeping dilemma - with De Gea's contract expired and his future unclear - adds fuel to their pursuit of Onana, whose preference is reportedly to move to Manchester. The United faithful remains optimistic about this much-needed transfer. Should it go through, Onana's signing could provide a significant boost to United's title aspirations in the upcoming season.
