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Football London
Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

Chelsea can use forgotten duo in Inter Milan transfer swoop Mauricio Pochettino approves of

Chelsea have held positive talks with Mauricio Pochettino regarding the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge. The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss is the leading candidate to take the Blues' hot seat after Graham Potter was sacked earlier this month.

Todd Boehly wants to overhaul the playing squad this summer but plans for new signings and players being sold will likely be discussed with Pochettino before a decision is made - if the Argentine is indeed appointed as manager. There are a few key concerns that need addressing ahead of next season, including the goalkeeper issue.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has failed to prove he can be a reliable figure in goal for the west Londoners after replacing Edouard Mendy as the starting goalkeeper. Mendy is facing an uncertain future this summer after a disappointing season at Stamford Bridge and could be sold to raise funds to reinvest in the squad.

READ MORE: Chelsea plan to hire ex-Tottenham transfer expert as Todd Boehly prepares for summer overhaul

Kepa could also be sold as it's unlikely that he would settle for being back-up once again if a new starting shot-stopper is signed by a new manager this summer. Brentford's David Raya, Brighton's Robert Sanchez and Inter Milan star Andre Onana have all been linked with transfers to the Blues ahead of next season.

Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claims a meeting was held between Chelsea and Inter chiefs in Milan on Wednesday, with the two clubs discussing a deal that would see Onana move to west London. The Serie A outfit, who signed Onana on a free transfer from Ajax last summer, value the Cameroonian goalkeeper at £35.3million (€40million).

However, the Blues are said to be looking at involving two fringe players in a swap deal that would bring Onana to Stamford Bridge. Trevoh Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are on the fringes of the senior squad and could be used in a swap deal for the Cameroon international if Inter Milan agree to that proposal.

The report claims the Blues have already offered Kepa to Inter but have been met with a firm no, but Inter are interested in a couple of other Chelsea players. Chalobah was wanted by the Italians last summer and the club remain big admirers of the versatile defender, whilst Inter are said to have been interested in Loftus-Cheek in the past.

Inter's rivals AC Milan have made contact with Chelsea over a potential summer move for Loftus-Cheek, football.london understands. This may see Simone Inzaghi's side try to get one over their rivals and sign the Blues' midfielder, along with Chalobah, as part of a swap deal that allows Onana to complete a switch to west London.

Calciomercato has already reported that Pochettino has given his approval for Chelsea to sign Onana this summer. It looks as though the Blues are set on signing a new starting goalkeeper ahead of next season as they aim to challenge for the top four once again.

READ NEXT:

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