Chelsea have reportedly shown an interest in securing the services of former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny from Juventus in the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Italian publication Tuttosport, Premier League giants Chelsea are considering a summer swoop for Poland international goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who could be sold by Juventus in the upcoming transfer window.
Szczesny spent a large part of his footballing career at Chelsea’s arch-rivals Arsenal, whom he joined as a youngster in 2006, before going onto become a mainstay between the sticks for a number of years. Having made 181 appearances for the Gunners, the Polish shot-stopper left the club for AS Roma in 2015 on a two-year loan deal on the completion of which he was signed by Juventus in 2017.
Having played second-fiddle to Gianluigi Buffon in his year at the club, Szczesny became the first-choice in Turin after the club legend left for PSG in 2018 and has continued as the preferred option in goal even after the veteran returned to Juventus only a year after his departure. Till date, he has made 134 appearances for the Bianconeri, keeping 53 clean sheets in the process.
Despite largely being a reliable presence in goal, Szczesny has made a few errors this season which has hurt Juventus. While he is still regarded highly by the club, they could look to offload the former Arsenal star this summer as they are considering a swoop for AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.
In order to make room for the Italian international, Szczesny may be sacrificed if an offer of €20 million or more would come around, as per the report. And Chelsea are among the clubs that have taken an interest in the development and could launch a move to secure the services of the 31-year-old goalkeeper.
Chelsea, as things stand, have Edouard Mendy as the first-choice between the sticks, with the Ligue 1 import doing a brilliant job since joining the club last summer. Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, has had to play second-fiddle after a disastrous last season but has shown signs of improvement in the handful of games he has played under Thomas Tuchel this term.
However, there remains the possibility that the Spanish international will be allowed to leave at the end of the season, opening up a spot for another goalkeeper to arrive. Szczesny, given his experience and age, can be a handy addition in that regard, although the Blues have also been linked with a move for other custodians including Juventus’ target Gianluigi Donnarumma himself.
Even Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak is on Chelsea’s radar but someone like Szczesny could be a more realistic option for the west London giants. The former Arsenal star is also being chased by another Premier League club in the form of Everton. As things stand, there seems to be a genuine possibility that the 31-year-old returns to England. Whether it is with Chelsea remains to be seen though.
