As things stand, Chelsea are yet to make their first moves in the transfer window. However, the quintet of sporting directors will be working behind the scenes, and a new goalkeeper is on the radar.
There is a world where both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen both leave Chelsea this summer. Sanchez has proved inconsistent, and there is interest from Saudi Arabia, while Jorgensen has asked to leave.
Chelsea are reportedly set to tweak their transfer strategy and sign more experienced players!
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Mike Penders will return from his loan at Strasbourg, but as a 20-year-old, it might be too early to make the Belgian his first choice. Chelsea have reportedly compiled a six-man shortlist ahead of the summer.
It includes Premier League trio Jordan Pickford, Robin Roefs and Bart Verbruggen as well as some of the best in Europe. But it doesn’t include another goalkeeper; Freiburg’s German shot-stopper Noah Atubolu.
Freiburg goalkeeper Atubolu wants Chelsea move
Last season, 24-year-old Atubolu kept an impressive 12 clean sheets as Freiburg reached the final of the Europa League while also finishing in seventh place in the Bundesliga, qualifying for Europe once again.
Called up by Germany recently, Atubolu missed out on Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad but is still highly regarded in his home nation. German newspaper Bild have now shared an update on Atubolu.
SC Freiburg v Aston Villa FC - UEFA Europa League Final 2026
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
He was expected to join Newcastle with Freiburg unable to extend his contract, which stretches until June 2027. Atubolu is hopeful of a move to the Premier League with Chelsea, Liverpool and Villa listed.
But as things stand, the report indicates that Atubolu is awaiting offers for his services. The issue is that Freiburg have already put plans in place to replace him, and yet, offers are not forthcoming as of yet.
Chelsea should be wary of pursuing a move for Atubolu
While Atubolu played a key role in helping Freiburg achieve seventh position and reach the Europa League final, he did still concede 70 goals during his 50 appearances throughout the 2025-26 season.
Which goalkeeper do you want Chelsea to sign this summer?
Roma's Mile Svilar has been linked.
According to FotMob, Atubolu produced a save percentage of 64.2%. That was only the eleventh-best in the entire Bundesliga, miles behind the leading goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who was north of 72%.
Every 90 minutes, Atubolu averaged three saves per match – again the eleventh-best in Germany’s top tier. Chelsea do need a goalkeeper and Atubolu is available, but he simply is not good enough.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox