The dust had barely settled on the Noni Madueke to Arsenal saga, with the England international on his way for a £52m transfer package. But already, Chelsea have agreed another high-profile departure as it looks like the Blues are focused on trimming their squad before making any further additions this summer.
Most will have guessed Chelsea's next departure already. Yes, it is someone whose name has been in the headlines over the past few weeks regarding a potential exit.
Djordje Petrovic is going to get his move, while staying in the Premier League. Chelsea are going to get the transfer fee they were looking for. Bournemouth are going to get their new first-choice goalkeeper.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Petrovic to Bournemouth has gotten the 'here we go'. After the official bid for £25m, Chelsea have accepted all final conditions. The goalkeeper will undergo a medical in the next days.
Fabrizio Romano confirms another Chelsea exit after Noni Madueke to Arsenal news
Despite the uncertainty around Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, Chelsea have decided that Petrovic is the goalkeeper who will leave the club this summer. It is a decision they might regret in the future, depending on how he does at Bournemouth.
Petrovic was excellent last season while out on loan at Strasbourg and even won their Player of the Season. So, do not be surprised if he exceeds all expectations at Bournemouth.
As for Chelsea, they need another goalkeeper to push for the starting spot. The club did try to bring in Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup but failed to agree on a deal with AC Milan. They have also been linked with a move for Emiliano Martinez lately. That is the type of profile they should be looking for between the sticks. Experienced and proven at the highest level.
For now, Sanchez remains the number one for Chelsea in goal. Admittedly, he has had his moments and at the top of his game, he is an excellent goalkeeper. That being said, quite often, he ends up making mistakes that cost the team. That is something that he will need to cut out of his game as soon as possible if he wants to be a contributor for the Blues.
As for Jorgensen, he has never really convinced that he is ready to be Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper. Expect him to remain a cup option unless he improves drastically.