One of the summer’s most interesting but low-key stories has been Chelsea’s search for a new custodian. Some people think that the Blues are happy with their current options, but insider Simon Phillips says that this is not the case.
“Chelsea have been in the goalkeeper market all summer. Amazed that people believe otherwise! Will they sign one? I don’t know, but they’ve absolutely been looking at GK options and still are. It’s a complicated situation though.”
Phillips’ claim is supported by the evidence. The Blues haven been linked to a number of top players, such as Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG, Mike Maignan from AC Milan, and Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. While no formal offer has yet been lodged, the departure of multiple keepers has left the squad lighter than before. Kepa Arrizabalaga has left for Arsenal, Đorđe Petrovic has joined Bournemouth for about £25 million, and Marcus Bettinelli has also left.
So far, the only new player is Belgian prospect Mike Penders from Genk, but he has already been loaned out to Strasbourg for the season. That leaves Robert Sanchez as the main starter. He is a good shot-stopper, but people have said he is inconsistent. Some experts, such as Owen Hargreaves, believe that a significant upgrade could transform Chelsea’s defense.
Chelsea Could Move for Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma is a person of interest at the Bridge. Many people saw PSG’s reported plan to leave the Italian out of their squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham as a sign that he might be leaving Paris. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are keeping a close eye on whether or not he is available.
But signing a player like Donnarumma would cost a lot of money and could upset the way the current squad works together. Chelsea’s leaders need to find a long-term number one who can be trusted while also keeping in mind the club’s overall transfer strategy and Financial Fair Play rules.