Aside from all the noise surrounding Chelsea at the moment, the summer transfer window is expected to be a busy one for whoever is in charge – and a new goalkeeper will be a key priority.
Xabi Alonso looks like he is going to become Chelsea’s next permanent manager after the sacking of Liam Rosenior. When he, or whichever manager arrives at Stamford Bridge, he will have plenty to sort.
Not least, Chelsea’s bloated squad size with four new players already set to arrive this summer and many returning on loan. If Chelsea fail to qualify for Europe, then plenty will have to be shown the exit door.
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On top of that, Chelsea need some key signings. Chief among these will be signing a new goalkeeper, with Robert Sanchez struggling for form and Filip Jorgensen, ultimately, failing to remain fit this season.
One option is Man City goalkeeper James Trafford. A £27m signing for City last summer from Burnley, he joined with the belief he would be first choice – only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to join later that summer.
Chelsea target James Trafford says he idolised Petr Cech
Trafford, who is now an England international, starred for Burnley in the Championship during 2024-25. His stock remains high despite warming the bench at City, and Chelsea are keen to lure him to London.
Amid the reports that Chelsea want Trafford, the goalkeeper told the official Man City podcast he idolised Chelsea legend Petr Cech as a kid. He was asked: “Who was the first goalkeeper you looked up to?
James Trafford of Manchester City
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“Petr Cech. Loved him, like loved him,” Trafford said. “I remember I loved him that much. I remember going to JJB when I was like six, wanting a Scrum cap. I wanted to play like him in the garden.
“I remember writing to Chelsea, just wanting his autograph. I remember getting it and I remember actually met him when I was 14, 15. When we played Arsenal or Chelsea, I think he was at Arsenal.
“But we played against Chelsea and I was watching one of his kids play. I actually met him and got a selfie with him. He’s the only person I’ve ever asked for a photo. I just loved Petr Cech,” Trafford continued.
Now, James Trafford can emulate his hero in Chelsea blue
Alonso, or whichever manager comes to Stamford Bridge, has a decision to make. Do they bring in a new goalkeeper, do they continue with the likes of Sanchez or Jorgensen, or does Mike Penders get a chance?
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Reports say Penders has been identified as the man to lead Chelsea forward. But the Belgian goalkeeper is still a rookie, and while he has been impressive on loan at Strasbourg, Chelsea are a different level.
Liam Rosenior proved that. A good coach, excellent at what he does, but with the Chelsea intensity on top, it can prove too much. Chelsea need to consider signing a goalkeeper, and Trafford might be ideal.
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