With the dire season coming to an end, it’s soon that time for Chelsea to bring in improved reinforcements for the new season come August. With growing uncertainties between both Blues keeper’s future involvements, in Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, it is only inevitable we’ll see a new face between the sticks for the west Londoners.
In Mendy’s defence, he only played 11 times this entire season due to former CFC head coach, Graham Potter, preferring his keeper to be comfortable playing out from the back, hence his dropping. The Senegalese still made some appearances under the 47 year old but is yet to make an appearance in 2023.
Caretaker manager, Frank Lampard, continued what Potter left off and kept the Spaniard as his preferred No.1. Despite this, the ‘Pride of London’ are still in need for a proper keeper in goal and it’s no better than to start early.
4 keepers Chelsea should consider as the club’s new goalkeeper
Mike Maignan
If we want to go big, here it is. With future sales pending in order to oblige the FFP rules, this one is a bit unrealistic but is a dream of mine. Maignan is AC Milan’s No.1 who played a key role of the Rossoneri’s Scudetto triumph last season and of course their ticket to the semi finals of the Champions League.
Milan were in Chels’ group, but when the two club’s met, the French international was no where to be seen in both fixtures. He was unfortunately injured during the first half of the season, which included sidelining him during the world cup. Todd Boehly and his entourage were so close to witnessing him in the flesh but it wasn’t meant to be.
The 27-year-old has 5 clean sheets in 10 games for Milan since his injury return. Something worth noting is the former Lille keeper saved 31% of penalties he has faced, which includes a crucial penalty save from Napoli’s breakout star, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, to help his side advance to the UCL last four.
David Raya
A more realistic signing due to the Spaniard’s name being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. The Brentford keeper is one that I really like, the 27-year-old has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the PL this season according to Squawka. With Premier League experience, I wouldn’t be against this signing.
Diogo Costa
A bit of a pricy one but it is what it is with the market these days. Costa, who has established himself as Portugal’s top goalkeeper, takes great satisfaction in his ability to play the ball, and he is skilled at spotting out long passes from the back using both his hands and the feet.
The 23-year-old can play with either foot with ease, which makes him more at ease than others under the pressure of an attacker’s press and less likely to get into trouble, something the club expected Arrizabalaga to do. A solid shot stopper as he kept a clean sheet in just under half of his appearances in the league.
Giorgi Mamardashvili
Not yet a household name but it will soon. The 22-year-old has experienced a meteoric rise after being initially signed for Valancia’s B team in 2021. With his agility, reactions, command of his penalty area, and shot-stopping abilities, he has all the qualities necessary to be a top goalkeeper.
Chelsea are rumored to be interested in the Georgian, expected to leave Valencia in any case at the end of the season despite contract extension signed few months ago. Valencia are currently in a relegation dogfight to save their lives in La Liga, with the off chance of them going down, it is almost certain that Mamardashvili will leave them on a discount. People may ask questions like, “Is it his fault” or “We shouldn’t trust a second division keeper,” but there’s so much more going on at Valencia than just performances at the moment. Search it up.
Who should be Chelsea’s No.1 next season?