Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Chelsea have added a new name to their transfer list this summer who would have certainly got a seal of approval if Antonio Conte was still in charge.
The Blues have pivoted their transfer strategy this summer in an attempt to address the lack of experience that was in the squad, despite big money being spent elsewhere.
After trying to sign Granit Xhaka, Chelsea have now added Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck to their side, and have been linked with another experienced name in the goalkeeping area.
Asmir Begovic's Chelsea XI for Fulham away
Asmir Begovic's Chelsea XI for Fulham away
Chelsea interested in signing Nick Pope
Nick Pope has found himself fighting a losing battle for the number one shirt at Newcastle following them signing two new goalkeepers this summer.
This seems to have piqued Chelsea’s interest, and as per Simon Phillips, the Blues are considering bringing in the Englishman to fill the role of third-choice goalkeeper.
Newcastle United Training Session
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
He said on the SPTC podcast: “Another name there is Nick Pope given to us over the weekend as a potential third choice goalkeeper that Chelsea might try and get. Jason Steele is still an option, but at the moment, yeah, I’m not getting anything to suggest Chelsea will be going all out for a new number one.”
Robert Sanchez is currently the favourite to be the number one next season following the departure of Filip Jorgensen to join Strasbourg on loan.
Split image - Chelsea unveil new signing Jordan Henderson and Granit Xhaka of Sunderland applauds
Split image - Chelsea unveil new signing Jordan Henderson and Granit Xhaka of Sunderland applauds
Nick Pope really impressed a former Chelsea manager
Pope has been a regular in the Premier League for a number of years now, facing Chelsea 11 times domestically.
However, it was against Spurs in 2022 where Pope captured the attention of Antonio Conte, who was in charge of Chelsea’s rivals at the time.
During a 2-1 win for Newcastle, the English goalkeeper impressed greatly, seeing Conte describe him as ‘amazing’ after the game.
A move to Stamford Bridge would not bring first team opportunities to Pope, but he would provide more Premier League experience which Xabi Alonso is clearly desperate to add to the first team squad.