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5 Goalkeepers who could replace Kepa at Chelsea

By Jonathan Bailey

MONZA, ITALY - AUGUST 08: Mike Maignan of AC Milan reacts during the Trofeo Berlusconi match between AC Monza and AC Milan at U-Power Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Monza, Italy. (could he play for Chelsea?) (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
MONZA, ITALY - AUGUST 08: Mike Maignan of AC Milan reacts during the Trofeo Berlusconi match between AC Monza and AC Milan at U-Power Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Monza, Italy. (could he play for Chelsea?) (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea target Gregor Kobel celebrates during a match. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Chelsea have been following Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel this summer. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) /

#4. Gregor Kobel

At the age of 25, Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is just entering his prime years, making him a perfect fit in Chelsea’s timeline. The Swiss warden only recently started getting regular minutes in the Bundesliga, making 30 appearances in Germany’s top flight for the first time in 2020-21. After spending two years with VfB Stuttgart, Kobel joined Dortmund for a €15 million fee.

Since arriving at Signal Iduna Park in 2021, Kobel has made 75 appearances for Dortmund over the last two years. The 6’5″ goalkeeper has yet to win any silverware in Germany, but was at least recognized for his individual performances. Kobel was named in the Bundesliga’s 2022-23 Team of the Season, alongside current Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku and former Blue Jamal Musiala. Last season, Kobel placed joint-third with Frederik Rønnow in clean sheets (11), trailing only Koen Casteels (12) and Mark Flekken (13). While clean sheets are a team stat and not entirely reflective of a goalkeeper’s individual performance, it goes to show the Swiss’ command over his team and his back line.

Chelsea insider Nizaar Kinsella has reported that the club were already looking into Kobel earlier this summer, and with Kepa out of the picture, he may emerge as an option again. The Zürich native is only just returning from injury this week, and of course plays for a club that competes for the Bundesliga title every season. Kobel is certainly not the most experienced goalkeeper currently available on the market, and if the Blues want to secure his signature, it will come at a hefty price. Maybe not as hefty a price as Maignan, however.

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