Chelsea are on the lookout for reinforcements in a number of positions across the pitch. That includes their need to sign a striker despite already adding Liam Delap, a right-footed left winger, which is increasingly looking likely to be Jamie Gittens and another centre-back, which is very open with players like Marc Guehi, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jorrel Hato, Mario Gila and several others being linked.
One cannot forget the need to bring in another goalkeeper as well. Someone more comfortable with the ball at his feet and less error-prone than Robert Sanchez.
It is this need that saw them try to bring in Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup. Chelsea were not able to agree a fee with AC Milan though and that chapter is now considered closed. But does that mean that the Blues won't sign another goalkeeper? Probably not.
In fact, it looks like they are continuing to make contacts in search of potential opportunities. As reported by CaughtOffside, Chelsea have returned to ask for information about Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper is on their list of options. Manchester United have made similar checks as well.
Chelsea make surprise contact for FC Barcelona player
This is one of the most surprising links in Chelsea's recent history, especially when you consider how heavily the club have invested in rising talents, completely overlooking experience lot of the time. Now, they have their eyes on a 33-year-old Barcelona goalkeeper, who recently spent more than seven months out with a serious knee injury.
On paper, this just does not sound like a Chelsea move. But let's see how things play out. This could certainly do with a bit more experience and leadership if they want to go to the next level.
As for Ter Stegen, it feels like the time has come to leave Barcelona. Joan Garcia's arrival means that playing time could be limited and they have Wojciech Szczesny as a backup option as well. So, ending up at a club like Chelsea or Manchester United might be the best-case scenario for the German international right now.