Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has revealed the reasons he turned down a potential move to Chelsea this summer, with the player opting to stay in Germany.
The Switzerland international had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. It was claimed that there had been contact over a potential move for several months.
It comes amid reports that the Blues could look for an upgrade to their goalkeeping options this summer. However, Kobel isn’t going to be that upgrade with reports in Germany from Bild reporting last month that the player’s representatives had told Dortmund that a summer move was not going to happen.
He is said to want to instead concentrate on the upcoming World Cup next summer with Switzerland. The player himself has now outlined the reasons for not wanting to move away from the German club this summer.
“Everyone knows that I feel extremely comfortable in Dortmund,” Kobel told German outlet Bild. “I love the fans, the stadium, the club and the atmosphere.
“Everyone knows that and sees it when I’m on the pitch. I really appreciate that.”
He was then asked if he had given up his dream of playing in the Premier League, to which he replied: “I can’t remember ever saying that this was my dream.”
Chelsea look set for at least one change in their goalkeeping department over the summer, with Djorje Petrovic looking likely to move on. The 25-year-old has been left out of Chelsea’s squad for the Club World Cup after spending last season on loan with French side Strasbourg.
Meanwhile, the Blues remain interested in signing Kobel's teammate Jamie Gittens. Dortmund rejected a £42million offer for the 20-year-old winger last week but Chelsea have not given up on a deal.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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