Chelsea seem to be targeting a goalkeeper change in the summer. The Blues have Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy as goalkeeping options but they are hoping to sign a new keeper and offload one of the current shot stoppers.
When Thomas Tuchel was at the helm, he preferred Mendy as the first choice keeper and Kepa served as the backup. The Senegalese keeper was instrumental in CFC winning the Champions League in 2021. He was the first choice at the start of the season but injury and underwhelming form saw him lose out to Kepa. Graham Potter’s arrival saw Kepa regain the first choice keeper role and has continued to be the trusted choice over Mendy as the 31 year old recovers from a shoulder injury.
Mendy has two years left on his current deal and the Blues have been trying to extend the player’s contract. However, the talks have broken down and Chelsea are prepared to sell the 31 year old, as per Football Insider.
Chelsea linked with three Premier League goalkeepers
With Mendy’s future decision made, Chelsea have begun searching for a new keeper as reinforcing the goalkeeping position remains on their agenda. The Blues have been linked to 3 Premier Legaue goalkeepers ahead of the summer transfer window. Chelsea have already communicated to Mendy that they will listen to offers for him as they aim to bring a new shot stopper in the summer.
1. David Raya
Brentford keeper David Raya is one of the keepers that Chelsea have tracked for a long time. The Spaniard was also linked earlier this season and now there seem to be increasing links to the 27 year old.
Raya has started all 27 games for Thomas Frank’s side and conceded 34 goals in the process. He has produced 108 saves, most by any keeper in the Premier League this season. In fact he has produced the most number of saves in Europe’s top five leagues and has an impressive save percentage of 76.4%, featuring in the top five in the Premier League in this metric.
The Spaniard has kept nine clean sheets in the league and remains one of the most impressive keepers in the league. He has a deal with Brentford until 2024 but this summer could see him leave the Bees amid Chelsea and Manchester United interest.
2. Robert Sanchez
Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez has played a key role in Brighton’s push for European football as they sit seventh in the Premier League. The Spaniard has played 22 games and conceded 29 goals. Sanchez has also managed to keep six clean sheets but lately Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has neglected Sanchez.
De Zerbi dropped Sanchez for the Newcastle United game and since then has not recalled him in the league games, preferring Jason Steele over the 25 year old. The lack of game time could prompt Sanchez to consider his future at the Amex stadium.
With Chelsea, even Tottenham Hotspur are looking at the Spanish goalkeeper and things could get interesting if Sanchez continues to be overlooked by De Zerbi.
3. Illan Meslier
Even though Leeds United are just two points above the drop zone and have conceded 44 goals, Illan Meslier has attracted a lot of interest. The 23 year old has been one of the top performers for the Leeds side over the past few seasons. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Frenchman is being watched by a number of clubs.
"Links with someone like Illan Meslier and a top club like Chelsea are normal, he’s a very talented goalkeeper and many clubs have sent their scouts to follow him. (via Caught Offside)"
Meslier has made 80 saves in 27 league games, averaging 2.96 saves per game. Meslier has kept 5 clean sheets and remains an attractive option for the Blues.
Which goalkeeper should Chelsea sign?