Chelsea could be about to lose one of their first-team goalkeepers to West Ham United, with Manuel Pellegrini reportedly plotting a summer move for Willy Caballero.
According to The Sun, Chelsea are set to be raided by their London rivals, this time for one of their goalkeepers. Manuel Pellegrini has taken over the reins at West Ham United and the former Manchester City manager is plotting a summer reunion with Willy Caballero.
Manuel Pellegrini’s appointment at West Ham United is being widely seen as the right move by a board as ambitious as the Hammers. The hierarchy is now ready to back their manager in the transfer market with a reported purse of £75 million available to the former Manchester City manager to strengthen the squad.
One of the main positions that need reinforcements in the summer is the goalkeeping area. Joe Hart is set to return to Manchester City after the end of his season-long loan, leaving Adrian as the only recognised name in the first-team setup. The Spaniard is also tipped to leave West Ham in the summer, leaving the first-choice spot between the posts vacant.
Manuel Pellegrini is looking towards Willy Caballero as the keeper to man the posts for West Ham United. The Argentine is experienced in the Premier League and has shown his pedigree while playing for Manchester City and now, Chelsea.
Add to it the fact that Caballero has played under Pellegrini for a considerable amount of time – the Argentine played under Pellegrini at Malaga and the manager then brought him along with himself at Manchester City – and that the manager trusts the stopper, meaning this could be a move that turns out to be an inspired signing for the Hammers.
With West Ham also looking at young prodigies, Caballero would also be able to mentor the youngster(s) before they are ready to take over from the veteran.
At Chelsea, Caballero has found game time hard to come by. But, the Argentine has always impressed whenever given the chance, especially in the FA Cup, with 4 shutouts in 6 games in the competition.
Pellegrini, too, is aware of his shot-stopping ability, having favoured him often over Joe Hart, with the 2015-16 FA Cup final against Liverpool still fresh in the minds of the Manchester City faithfuls, where Caballero thwarted 3 spot-kicks to oversee the Citizens’ triumph on penalties.
Caballero would not have to relocate either, with the player currently situated in London. This looks like a move that should, in all likeliness, happen, what with the veteran keen for regular playing opportunities and the manager looking to safeguard the West Ham United goal.
