Frank Lampard and Marina Granovskaia disagree on signing Andre Onana
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has had to make a number of tough decisions this season with respect to the goalkeeping situation at the club.
With world-record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga failing to impress, the Chelsea boss dropped the Spaniard in favour of Willy Caballero. Although he was brought back into the line-up after a string of fine performances, his future at the Bridge is far from secure.
One of the names being touted as a replacement is Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana. According to Duncan Castles (h/t Express), it appears as if the Blues boss does not see eye to eye with director Marina Granovskaia on bringing in Onana.
Granovskaia was the one who sanctioned the mammoth £71.6million deal for Kepa two years ago. According to the report, she is unwilling to take a significant hit on the player’s valuation.
Onana has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona. His contract at the Dutch giants runs till 2022. Although the Cameroonian international is not pushing for a move, he will be open to it if an opportunity presents itself. Speaking on the Transfer Podcast (h/t Express), Castles revealed that all three teams interested in Onana will have to see their goalkeepers moved on.
Marc Andre Ter-Stegen is one of the best keepers in the world and it is difficult to see the Catalans bin him. Castles goes on to add that he does not see Spurs doing so either with Lloris. Although Lampard lacks faith in Kepa, the decision appears to be out of his hands.
Lampard has shown he has the ability to rebuild Chelsea and take us back to the top.
It is, however, a project, and is bound to take time. Although Kepa cost us a fortune, it is counterproductive to keep him a the club if the manager lacks faith in him. Kepa has not exactly covered himself in glory in making a case for himself. Lampard should be given the benefit of the doubt and permitted to build the team as he sees fit.