Diego Lopez is an ideal signing for Chelsea
While all the focus is on which superstars Chelsea and the Antonio Conte will bring to Stamford Bridge, the potential arrival of Diego Lopez is equally as vital.
Chelsea are in need of many players across the field this summer, with the club linked with a multitude of talent. Euro 2016 has put several targets in the shop window and Chelsea are reportedly now on the verge of confirming a deal for Michy Batshuayi. However, a potential move for Diego Lopez is just as important.
The Daily Mail is the source of the story, claiming that Chelsea officials have held talks with the veteran goalkeeper over a Stamford Bridge switch.
"Chelsea have opened talks over a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez. The Stamford Bridge club have offered a three year contract to Lopez who would cost a nominal fee with Milan keen to cut their wage bill."
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Chelsea confirmed on Friday morning that Marco Amelia (alongside two others) would not have their contracts extended for next season. That leaves Antonio Conte with two goalkeepers at his disposal in Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic.
However, the latter is all but certain to leave the club as he seeks first-team football. At the age of 29 and given his evident quality, Begovic can easily be the starting goalkeeper for a top half Premier League side.
Thibaut Courtois, meanwhile, will in all likelihood be at Stamford Bridge come the start of next season. Nevertheless, Chelsea require a quality backup goalkeeper and that’s where the acquisition of Diego Lopez is key.
The 2015/16 campaign showed how important it is to have someone able to step in between the sticks. Courtois was injured for chunks of the season, but Begovic filled in admirably. In fact, if it wasn’t for the Bosnian, Chelsea could have been in an even more embarrassing position than they ended up.
Diego Lopez was unseated by the precocious Gianluigi Donnarumma last season. After suffering an injury, he was unable to reclaim the starting spot after the 17-year-old grabbed the opportunity presented to him with both hands.
Lopez is keen for a move and AC Milan are equally eager to offload him. Hence, he will come at a minimal price and at the age of 34, he will command a modest salary. His career has seen him play for Villarreal and Real Madrid as well and thus he brings a lot of big-game experience.
The fact that he is nearing his retirement also makes him a prime candidate for the back-up spot. While Begovic was understandably unhappy with playing second-fiddle to Courtois, Diego Lopez will probably be content with the situation.
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Importantly, though, Antonio Conte will be safe in the knowledge that there is a reliable pair of hands on the bench if needed.