Chelsea earmark Andre Onana alternative as the search for Mendy’s replacement goes on

Chelsea shortlist Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin

Chelsea have identified Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin as their new target for the goalkeeping position as Premier League rivals Manchester United open talks with Inter Milan star Andre Onana.

As per Fabrizio Romano, (h/t Express,) the Blues are hoping that a deal can be signed for Trubin as they search for a replacement for Edouard Mendy, who joined Saudi club Al-Ahli earlier this week. With Kepa Arrizabalaga far from an automatic first-choice, the Blues will need to bring in a reliable goalkeeper.

However, United holding discussions with Andre Onana, whose asking price is in the region of £60 million is forcing the Blues to look elsewhere. It makes more sense for us to do so than get into a bidding war for the Cameroonian star.

With Mendy now out of the picture, Kepa Arrizabalaga takes over as the number-one goalkeeper by default. Unless a new shot-stopper comes in, the Spaniard is likely to head into the new season as a starter. The West Londoners will look for a backup custodian for Kepa and have expressed interest in signing the Shakhtar shot-stopper.

Trubin has enhanced his re[putation following a fine string of performances for Shakhtar. The 21-year-old’s asking price is expected to be around £19 million and he has been lauded as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe. However, given that we have already signed Gabriel Slolina, it remains to be seen if another young prospect is the need of the hour.

The youngster’s progress has been impressive for Shakhtar, as he kept 14 clean sheets in 28 Ukrainian Premier League matches. It is believed that if the Blues are able to land the 21-year-old, he is expected to compete with Kepa for the No. 1 position between the sticks.

His numbers are sufficient to support his qualifications, and the youngster appears to be a player to keep an eye for. Goalkeepers should have ball-playing skills that can also affect the game from behind, which Kepa occasionally lacks when under duress.

More Chelsea News

• Nicolas Jackson completes medical ahead of the Chelsea signature
• Chelsea have made their opening move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
• Mateo Kovacic has signed a four-year deal at Manchester City from Chelsea

Chelsea have made it clear that they won’t overpay for Onana, so United could sign him if they meet Inter Milan’s valuation. Meanwhile, Trubin is only 21 and still has plenty of time to develop into a great custodian. If the Blues feel he is the perfect goalkeeper to fight for his spot with Kepa then we must make an offer to the Ukrainian team for the custodian, so let’s wait and see how things pan out for him.