Chelsea look set to go into the new season with Robert Sanchez in goal, however BlueCo have identified another option who could hold the role in the future.
Many were left surprised that the Blues didn’t make a move to sign a new shot stopper during the summer transfer window, despite being linked with a few top names.
Mike Maignan was close to joining Chelsea before the Club World Cup, however his recent appearance at Stamford Bridge came as an opposition player with AC Milan during pre-season.
Sanchez impressed during the competition in the United States, however the expectation remains that he will not be the long term option at the club.
Behdad Eghbali and the Chelsea Sporting Directors laugh during Chelsea v Barrow - Carabao Cup Third Round
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The clear plan instilled by BlueCo is to sign promising young players before other sides get their hands on them first, and this could be the case in the form of Sheffield Wednesday shot stopper Pierce Charles.
The Chelsea Chronicle understands that BlueCo have launched a bid to sign the young goalkeeper from Strasbourg, with a view to him being loaned out – potentially back to Hillsborough.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has told us that the chiefs at Chelsea are big fans of his, and believe he can be good enough to become their number one in a few years’ time.
He said: “Charles is one of the best young keepers in Europe, I am told that BlueCo really like him. Initially he would be a Strasbourg property but I am told they think he is potentially good enough to become Chelsea number one – he is that good.”
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Chelsea have already gone into the market in recent years to bring in a promising young goalkeeper in Mike Penders, who is expected to start this season during his own loan at Strasbourg.
Pierce Charles in action during Bolton Wanderers v Sheffield Wednesday - Carabao Cup First Round
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Who is Pierce Charles?
Despite being just 20 years of age, the goalkeeper is already a fully-fledged Northern Ireland international, making six appearances for his country.
Clean sheets have been at a premium since he broke through at Wednesday. Charles has kept just one in the 18 games he has played for the club.
The young goalkeeper did enjoy a fantastic evening in the League Cup last week, saving two penalties in a shootout to help send his side to the second round.
Being a product of the Manchester City academy will no doubt be appealing to Chelsea, after the success stories that include Cole Palmer, Tosin Adarabioyo and Romeo Lavia at Stamford Bridge.
While further development will be required, the decision makers at Chelsea frequently end up being proven right when it comes to their scouting of youngsters, and they see themselves proven right again in the future.