Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed the possibility of Andre Onana and Nicolas Tagliafico leaving the Dutch side in the summer. Both players have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as a part of Frank Lampard’s summer transfer plans for the Blues.
Onana is considered as the ideal replacement for Spanish international Kepa as the Chelsea FC goalkeeper. Lampard is reported to be unsure of keeping Kepa at Stamford Bridge beyond the 2019-20 season. The Spaniard has often been replaced by the 38-year old Willy Caballero as the Blues number in recent months.
Kepa’s performances between the sticks have been largely unconvincing and inconsistent for the Blues this season. With Spanish side Valencia FC reported to have approached Chelsea FC for a two-year loan deal for Kepa, Lampard has identified Ajax shot-stopper Onana to be Chelsea FC’s goalkeeper next season.
Meanwhile, Tagliafico has been Lampard’s preferred alternative for the left-back position in the Chelsea FC side. The Blues have been unable to finalize a deal for Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell due to pricing concerns. The Foxes have insisted on sticking to their £70 million price-tag for the English international.
With Tagliafico available for a reported £22 million, Lampard would be delighted to sign the Argentine this summer. The left-back has been in impressive form for both club and country over the past year. Moreover, the player is just 27-years old and could become an integral part of the Chelsea FC’s planned dominance in the Premier League over the coming years.
Ajax are reported to have valued Onana at £35 million. The asking price would not prove to be a concern for Lampard who has been on a spending spree lately with the Blues. Onana, a Cameroonian international, was a fantastic performer for Ajax in their run to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018-19 season.
If Chelsea FC secures the double signing of Onana and Tagliafico, both players would follow their teammate Hakim Ziyech to Stamford Bridge. The Blues have already finalized the transfer of the 27-year old Ziyech earlier this year. He is expected to link up with his new Chelsea FC teammates at the end of July.
