Chelsea are reportedly ready to sanction a move for Manchester City’s out-of-favour England International to replace Thibaut Courtois who could leave Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s search for Thibaut Courtois’ replacement has taken them on the footsteps of Manchester City and their out-of-favour former No.1, Joe Hart. According to The Sun, Chelsea are preparing a £5 million offer for Joe Hart as they look to solve their keeper crisis that has been the talking point of this transfer window.
Chelsea are undoubtedly in the market for a new keeper and Joe Hart might fit the bill. Hart could be available on the cheap, with Pep Guardiola being entirely transparent with his preference between the sticks. Ederson and Claudio Bravo are his two goalkeepers and Joe Hart seemingly does not have a place in the squad for the coming season.
Hart’s situation at Manchester City has been the subject of speculation since Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad two years ago. In the Spaniard’s first season, he shipped the England International to a bizarre loan move to Serie A side Torino, and last season Hart spent the season on loan at West Ham United.
His performances over the two seasons have not been up to the mark and thus hasn’t done anything to improve his chances of having a future at the Etihad, where he had helped the club win two Premier League titles during his time as the first choice.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have a tough time ahead as their first choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois has been linked with a move away from the club after entering the last year of his current deal. Real Madrid are the front-runners for his signature and are heavily linked to signing him this summer in a reported €35 million deal.
Chelsea are convinced the Belgian will not sign a new deal to remain with the club and are already looking for a replacement. They have been linked with many keepers including relegated Stoke City’s Jack Butland, Everton’s Jordan Pickford and their former No.1, Arsenal’s Petr Cech.
While Chelsea may not fancy bringing Cech back, considering he is at the wrong end of his illustrious career, Pickford might prove to be a costly affair. Butland could be an option, but Stoke are demanding the better part of £30 million for their man. So considering all those, signing the 31-year-old Joe Hart for £5 million might seem like a viable idea, especially for the club’s short-term future.
