Chelsea are scouting Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili
Chelsea lacks a reliable number one in goal as they aim to build a winning squad under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Robert Sanchez was brought in from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer to replace Edouard Mendy who was sold to Al Ahli and Kepa Arrizabalaga who was sent out on loan to Real Madrid.
The latter is the world’s most expensive goalkeeper but has never quite met expectations in Blue. He appears keen to continue on at the Santiago Bernabeu and Chelsea will be wise to cut their losses. A solid last line of defence is key to building a reliable defence and the Blues appear to be eyeing just the man for the job.
One man who continues to garner interest with his performances is Giorgi Mamardashvili. The 23-year-old custodian is one of the best shot-stoppers in La Liga and is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at the Mestalla.
The Blues have been after the Valencia man for a while now and according to 90min are set to reignite their pursuit. Chelsea officials were in attendance at the San Mames at the weekend when Valencia faced Athletic Club.
Mamardashvili conceded twice on the night and in fairness, it wasn’t his finest performance. It will do little to change Chelsea’s opinion that Sanchez need not be replaced in January. While a new goalkeeper might not be a priority, it could come under consideration should the right option become available.
A good shot-stopper, the 23-year-old certainly is one of the best young goalkeepers on the continent. There is still much for the Georgian to learn and the Blues are better off adopting a wait-and-watch policy before making their move.
Sanchez might not be the best goalkeeper in the Premier League but he is by no means a poor one. Right now what Pochettino and Co. need is stability. Changing goalkeepers on a regular basis will only sow more confusion in a backline that has been far from exemplary so far.
Other goalkeepers on Chelsea’s radar include Athletic Club’s Unai Simon, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, Porto’s Diogo Costa and Everton’s Jordan Pickford. There are certainly a few curious choices on the list.
