Chelsea are reportedly stepping up their pursuit to find a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga as Frank Lampard accelerates his plans to axe the goalkeeper this summer.
The Spaniard, who moved to Stamford Bridge in 2018 for a club-record £71milllion, has struggled for consistency during his short stint in west London.
The 25-year-old was signed to replace Thibaut Courtois after the Belgian forced his way out of the club to join Real Madrid, but he has made a string of high-profile errors throughout the season and Lampard is understood to be ready to cut his losses and sell him this summer.
According to The Athletic, the Blues have identified Ajax stopper Andre Onana as his replacement and have 'made contact' with the Cameroon international's representatives.
The report also adds that Lampard is an admirer of Dean Henderson, who has been a standout performer for Sheffield United this season on their return to the Premier League.
Henderson, however, is a less realistic target given he is on the books at Manchester United and the Red Devils see him as part of their long-term plans.
Onana is said to be 'attracted' by the prospect of playing under Lampard and is ready to make the move to the Premier League.
It is believed Ajax would be willing to part ways with their goalkeeper for fee of around £26.9million (€30m), with chief executive Edwin van der Sarr warning the club will not be reducing their asking price for the No.1.
"There will always be some who benefit from a crisis and some clubs will have to sell for less, but I think we're in a fortunate position thanks to our strong financial policy," Van der Saar told NOS last month.
"Therefore we don't have to sell, but we made agreements with the players.
"These won't go below a certain price level. We won't let go of our players for sale prices. We prefer to keep them here."
Chelsea have already sealed moves for attackers Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, from Ajax and RB Leipzig respectively, ahead of next season.
However, the Blues want to add reinforcements in defence, with a 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United at the weekend the latest disappointing display from Lampard's backline.
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