Sunderland have been linked with a number of goalkeeper targets this summer after their promotion back to the Premier League.
Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Sunderland know they'll have to see off stern competition to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic after reports surfaced last week claiming the Black Cats were keen on a move for the Serbian international.
Regis Le Bris' side held talks with OGC Nice shot stopper Marcin Bulka prior to his move to Saudi Arabia, which was finalised last week. The Wearsiders have now shifted their focus to the Chelsea goalkeeper, after disappointment in their pursuit of the Poland international.
Recent reports from The Athletic will give Sunderland a major boost, after they revealed that Chelsea have a gentleman's agreement in place with Petrovic that will allow him to leave for a fee of £25million this summer.
It remains to be seen if Sunderland will part with that sort of fee for the goalkeeper, having already spent big so far this summer. The newly promoted side has spent in the region of £90million on the arrivals of Enzo Le Fee, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra and the prospective deal for Club Brugge winger Chemsdine Talbi, with Reinildo Mandava also joining on a free transfer.
Sunderland are attempting to add more competition between the sticks after ensuring they'd be playing Premier League football next season following their win over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
Anthony Patterson was one of the standout performers on the day, pulling off a number of key saves throughout the 90 minutes to end the club's eight-year absence from the top-flight.
However, the 25-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a switch away from the Stadium of Light this summer, with Southampton the latest club to have 'registered an interest' in the player.
The report from the Athletic claims at least five other clubs are keen on signing Petrovic this summer, while other reports indicate Bournemouth are also admirers of him.
Djordje Petrovic looks set to leave Chelsea this summer.
Djordje Petrovic looks set to leave Chelsea this summer. (Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola's side had Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea last season, making 31 appearances in the Premier League, but he's now sealed a permanent move to Arsenal this summer, leaving the Cherries on the hunt for a new goalkeeper.
Chelsea also need to raise around £60million this summer in order to register new signings for UEFA competitions, having breached financial rules in the reporting period ending in 2024.
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