Chelsea are prepared to make a January swoop for Charlton Athletic goalkeeper James Beadle, who could cost around £400,000.
According to The Sun, Chelsea have set their sights on James Beadle. The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper has raised many eyebrows with his performances in the youth divisions and the Premier League giants are considering him as a prospect for the future, someone who can potentially become the club’s number one choice in the future.
At the moment, Beadle does not have a professional contract with Charlton and is technically a part of their Under-18 side. But, the League One outfit remain determined to soak out compensation for the goalkeeper’s potential sale. They are demanding a fee of around £400,000 and some added bonuses for the services of the 17-year-old, who is also courted by Brighton & Hove Albion.
Beadle has represented England at the Under-15 level earlier on during his youth career and is now tipped to make his breakthrough at the Under-21 level. He is yet to make his professional debut with Charlton, but at the age of just 17, the Englishman has established himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country.
His rapid improvement has not gone unnoticed either, with Chelsea prepared to snap him up as part of their future project. The Blues firmly believe that Beadle has what it takes to emerge as the first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Moreover, the Premier League giants do require a little reshuffle in their goalkeeping unit. While first-choice shot stopper Edouard Mendy has performed impeccably this season, even drawing praise from Sadio Mane, his backup Kepa Arrizabalaga is facing an uncertain future at Chelsea.
Recent reports suggest that Juventus are keen on snapping up the Spanish outcast next summer. It will certainly be an interesting move, but one that could leave a bit of void in the goalkeeping department at Chelsea.
Chelsea did bring in Marcus Bettinelli in the summer. But the former Fulham is already 29 with very little prospect for the future. That is where the capture of James Beadle could prove to be a smart investment for the Blues.
At just 17, the Charlton youngster certainly won’t be considered as a first-team material. But should he continue his rapid improvement at Cobham, Beadle could certainly become the future number one for the reigning European champions.
