Manchester United has the chance to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma this summer – but as attractive as the deal sounds, which makes it happen, looks complex.
The Italian keeper, now in the last year of his contract with PSG, was discussed in terms of a move to United while the French club continues to replace him. Conversations about a new deal were stuck in Paris, and with Lucas Chevalier in line as a successor, the chance is real.
However, United is somewhat fixed. Their failure to discharge Andre Onana means that there is no clear path to bring in another CEO keeper. The idea of wearing two premium salary, permanent stoppers, was rejected internally this summer and the reversing of that attitude would now mean that they are tearing up their transfer plan.
There was also hope that Altay Bayindir would go free to free up a team, but the interest in the Turkish international is limited.
United is currently in capacity in the goalkeeper department and actively work out how they can reform things before they can bind to everything.
Internally there is still a desire to enter competition for Onana, if he cannot be replaced immediately, in an attempt to increase standards. The hope is that every new signing pushes the current No. 1 to rediscover the form, or is good enough to take the place.
Given financial limitations, a loan movement for a keeper could become even more realistic option, and it is one of the considerations behind a possible move for EMI Martinez of Aston Villa.
Every temporary deal can still prove a workable solution to be united through this dilemma of the keeper.
The idea of Donnarumma in a united shirt certainly catches the imagination, but for now it seems little more than an idea.