With Petr A?echa s move to Arsenal FC imminent, Jos Mourinho is keen to secure the signature of the Bosnia and Herzegovina international to compete with Thibaut Courtois for the no.1 goalkeepera s position at Chelsea FC next season
The Premier League champions have had a quiet transfer window thus far, but that is likely to change in the coming days with Petr A?ech expected to complete his A?10.9m transfer to London rivals Arsenal on Monday.
Chelsea reportedly have their eyes on a number of goalkeepers including Queena s Park Rangers veteran keeper Rob Green and Fulhama s England U21 international Marcus Bettinelli, but Asmir Begovi is at the top of their list of goalkeeping targets this summer.
In encouraging news for Chelsea FC fans, the usually reliable English television channel Sky Sports have claimed that the Blues are closing in on the Stoke City shot-stopper and are favourites for his signature amidst interest from other parties, including Aston Villa who reportedly lodged an ambitious A?10m bid for Begovi earlier this week.
Sources: Chelsea are favourites to sign Stoke keeper Begovic but there’s lots of interest. Transfer round-up at midday on @SkySportsNewsHQ
a Amy Lewis (@SkySportsAmy) June 28, 2015
A potential obstacle in any future deal could be Stokea s demands for the keeper which entail getting a player in return, preferably winger Victor Moses who is unlikely to have a future in the Chelsea FC first team. Moses is reluctant to join the Potters on a permanent basis however, and Jos Mourinhoa s club might be required to raise their offer to prise the 28-year-old away from the Britannia Stadium.
.
The fact that Begovi was dropped in favour of Englishman Jack Butland towards the end of last season could work in the Bluesa favour, along with the fact that the Bosnian could have the opportunity to compete at an elite level a particularly in the Champions League a if he were to opt for a move to Chelsea FC.
A back-up keeper is an essential signing for the Blues this summer, and Begovi would be an excellent addition to the squad if Mourinho is able to successfully convince the former Portsmouth man that he will be given significant playing time next season.