News
Chelsea make contact with three goalkeepers as Luis Enrique makes transfer demand if he lands Blues job
Chelsea have spoken to the representatives of three goalkeepers as they eye new a number one this summer, according to reports.
Both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have uncertain futures at the club, with contract talks being put on hold with Mendy. He wants a pay-rise to get closer to Kepa’s wages, however Chelsea are reluctant to match his desires which would see him extend his deal beyond 2025.
Marcus Bettinelli renewed for another three years and Chelsea also have Gabriel Slonina in their ranks after his arrival from Chicago Fire.
Chelsea have struggled this term and Kepa has put it partially down to the change of managers following the sackings of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, as well as the appointment of Frank Lampard on a caretaker basis.
Following the defeat to Real Madrid, Kepa said: “The feeling is that we are not at our level, we look at ourselves and the players are the first to be responsible.
“There have been three changes of coach, there have been changes in the squad during the season and it is costing us.”
Mendy has been out injured, while Kepa’s performances have come under fire and Lampard, as reported by Nizaar Kinsella, could make a change in goal against Brighton & Hove Albion when the two teams meet in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea are planning a summer exodus to balance the books and squad in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Change is expected in the goalkeeper department and it’s been reported by Nizaar Kinsella that three goalkeepers have been contacted by the club.
- Andre Onana – Inter Milan
- Gregor Kobel – Borussia Dortmund
- David Raya – Brentford
The representatives of Onana, Kobel and Raya have been contacted by Chelsea, while it’s claimed Luis Enrique, who has been interviewed for the permanent head coach vacancy, would want Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak to be considered.
As the planning continues for the 2023/24 season, Chelsea still have at least nine games to play this season.
Eight of those comes in the Premier League as well as a second leg tie in the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, which sees the Blues currently 2-0 down on aggregate after the first leg.
Mendy, who was preferred under Lampard during his previous reign, will be hoping to return to the starting XI following his recovery from injury and impress to try to convince the club that he has a long term future at Stamford Bridge.