Manchester United and Chelsea lock horns for Gianluigi Donnarumma
Last season was not easy for Manchester United fans. The team finished 15th in the Premier League and lost to Spurs in the Europa League final. This means there will be no European tournament for us in the 2025/26 season. Ruben Amorim became manager mid-season in 2024/25, but results did not change as expected. Still, this summer the club have made high-profile signings such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as well as adding youngster Diogo Leon to the ranks. The recent reported arrival of Benjamin Sesko is a big relief for the striker position, especially after Rasmus Hojlund’s poor performance last season.
Even after so many signings, it seems that the club’s transfer business is not yet complete. The biggest weakness in the defence last season was the goalkeeper position. Andre Onana’s wrong decisions cost points in many matches. We are still wondering if there will be a major goalkeeper change this summer.
Eye on Gianluigi Donnarumma
That brings us to the recent news, as according to ESPN, PSG are expecting offers from Chelsea and United for 26-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has reportedly decided to leave the French club. Both English clubs are in contact with his agent Enzo Raiola. Donnarumma currently earns €850,000 a month at PSG and has asked for an increased salary for a new contract, which the French club are not willing to accept.
Chelsea and Manchester United are hoping to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma this summer.
Chelsea and Manchester United are hoping to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma this summer.
Talking about the Italian’s traits, Donnarumma is known for his height, reflexes and ability to save penalties. He gives confidence to the defence and remains calm under pressure. If United sign him, this position will be strengthened immediately, and the team will be able to perform better in the top-four race and domestic tournaments.
Opinion: Big upgrade, big challenge
Donnarumma would be a clear upgrade over Onana. His presence would give confidence to the backline, and we fans won’t have to hold our breath until the last minute of the match. However, there is one big problem, and that is his salary. If he asks for more than PSG, United will have to find a reasonable balance.
The team have seen before how a heavy salary structure can hurt the club in the long-term. Still, if the opportunity arises, the club should make this move. It’s hard to hope for a top-four finish without a reliable goalkeeper, and Donnarumma is the player who can get us back to the level we belong to. However, the salary will be the biggest cause of concern, and United have to offload Onana, who is intent on staying at Old Trafford.