Manager Ruben Amorim could get his dream goalkeeper.
Manchester United are reportedly back in the race to sign a world-class player in the final weeks of the summer transfer window, following a major development at his current club. But they will not get it quite as they want in the search for his signature.
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So far this summer, the Red Devils have mainly focused on bolstering their attack under Ruben Amorim, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo brought in for over £130m, while new left-back Diego Luna will contribute defensively.
While the search for a goal-scoring striker remains a priority, a new door has opened when it comes to reinforcing a position that has been the subject of much speculation since the end of the 2024/25 season.
It has been relatively quiet around André Onana’s position as Amorim’s undisputed first goalkeeper, but everything has changed after a new report from L’Équipe.
They state that both United and city rivals Manchester City are back in the race to sign Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, while PSG are in the process of signing his potential replacement.
The French giants are reportedly close to securing talented Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier on a five-year contract, signalling the end of Donnarumma’s time in Paris.
There have already been several reports in recent days that Donnarumma’s future in France is highly uncertain, with a contract expiring next summer and negotiations for an extension with a changed salary structure that have reached a dead end.
To avoid losing another top player on a free transfer, PSG have now apparently decided to sell the Azzurri captain this summer, with €40 million as the price for his replacement.
This major development has now piqued the interest of United and City, although the latter recently brought back James Trafford in a £27 million transfer from Burnley, and thus may no longer be in the game.
Chelsea could also be one to watch, given their need for a world-class goalkeeper, while Galatasaray have also shown interest in Donnarumma in the past.
If he leaves PSG this summer, the club is expected to demand a hefty sum for the former Milan goalkeeper, who remains one of the very best goalkeepers in the world – and for United, he would be an immediate upgrade from Onana.
Donnarumma too good to reject
Although Amorim is reportedly a fan of Onana’s abilities, especially with the ball in his legs, Donnarumma’s sudden availability may be too tempting to turn down – if the price is reasonable for a player with only one year left on his contract.
Since his arrival, no Premier League goalkeeper has committed more mistakes that have led to goals in all competitions than Onana’s eight. His save percentage in 2024/25 was just 67.2% – which placed him 11th in the league.
Donnarumma, on the other hand, had the most successful season of his career in 2024/25, with 12 clean sheets as PSG marched towards a dominant treble season.
The Italian goalkeeper is widely considered the favorite to win the Yashin Trophy for the second time – an award that is given to the world’s best goalkeeper.
Donnarumma has previously stated that he wants to stay in Paris and said last month
: “My priority is to stay at PSG and sign a new deal. I don’t think there will be any problems in the negotiations.”
But the expected arrival of Lille star Chevalier has apparently created problems for those plans, opening the door for United and other clubs to secure perhaps the world’s best goalkeeper.
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