Chelsea can look to the academy if they cannot buy a keeper

Chelsea’s youth revolution has been in full swing this season for outfielders. If the Blues cannot buy a new keeper, why not use the academy?

Marcin Bulka was extremely highly rated at Chelsea. But when the Blues signed Kepa Arrizabalaga on a massive fee and a ridiculously long contract, he saw the writing on the wall. He allowed his contract to run out so he could be free to leave. His career has yet to take off, but that does not disregard his previous rating.

Arrizabalaga has since been okay. Not great or good. Not poor or terrible. Just okay. Given the fee Chelsea paid, okay really is not good enough. That is why there have been rumors that the Blues will go for Andre Onana or someone else while they either keep Arrizabalaga for rotation or move him along.

Willy Caballero’s extension and the entire COVID-19 crisis may change Chelsea’s ability to bring in a keeper though. But if the Blues are looking for someone to compete with Arrizabalaga, why not look towards their own academy like they have with every other position?

There are largely three candidates. Jamal Blackman is the oldest and, up to two seasons ago, looked to be inching his way towards Premier League football. He then broke his tibia and he has been fighting to find his feet again since. Even at 26, he can develop as a keeper, but the injury may have cut off his chances.

Next is Jamie Cumming who is currently in the academy. He is also, at least on paper, Chelsea’s third choice keeper. He is regarded as talented, but given Arrizabalaga’s struggles this season and Frank Lampard’s decision to not use Cumming once, it seems clear that this would be a long shot.

Perhaps the one with the best chance is Nathan Baxter. Like Blackman, Baxter has been working his way up through the football pyramid before his current detour to Scotland. Obviously the gulf between the Premier League and the Scottish Premiership is vast (especially outside of Celtic), but keepers do develop much differently than other players. Plus, Baxter is only 21, which is practically an infant in keeper years.

Regardless, if any of these keepers were to stay next season, they would have an uphill battle to a starting spot. They would first have to overcome Caballero for the backup spot, assuming he stays. Then they would need to impress as much as possible in training to be given a chance over Arrizabalaga. Given Lampard’s reluctance to rotate keepers as it is, that would be a very difficult prospect indeed.

But Lampard has shown a willingness to blood youth in every other position. Keeper is practically the only one left unmined. If Chelsea trusts their own development process, then there is no reason not to at least try to see if there is a diamond in the rough.

Of course, this all assumes Chelsea does not go and buy someone to more directly compete with Arrizabalaga. That surely is not impossible, but it will be difficult. If it proves too difficult, Chelsea will at least have options on the table if they are willing to take them.