Chelsea might consider overhauling their goalkeeping positions for a second summer in a row, and here are three options to consider.
Chelsea have been a different club since their takeover some 20 months ago, with their new owners happy to spend vast amounts of cash on recruits. Many have argued that the club has spent poorly, with over a billion splashed on those stars.
Despite their financial power, Chelsea still need to strengthen some of their key areas, such as the centre-forward role and the goalkeeping position. Speaking of the latter, there are massive uncertainties about the future of at least two of their current three keepers, including Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The record-breaking Spaniard went on loan to Real Madrid at the start of the season to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois and has done fairly well. He does want to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu, although he will play second-fiddle to the Belgian once he returns.
Chelsea will want him gone, although they are also considering the future of current first choice Robert Sanchez. The Spaniard arrived in a £25 million deal last summer but has been involved in some error-prone displays this season.
Some of those errors have cost Chelsea crucial points, which has seen him risk losing his place. While he has been injured for a while, his deputy and replacement, Djorde Petrovic, has thoroughly impressed between the sticks in the short period, although he is not the solution the club want for the long term.
Chelsea have already considered selling Sanchez should a suitable offer arrive in the summer and might enter the market for a new No.1. the choice to sign the Spaniard was odd, considering the many links to some high-profile stars last summer.
Players like Mike Maignan were linked with a move, although the lack of Champions League football and AC Milan’s high asking price might have played a crucial role. However, Chelsea will likely move into the market for a new No.1 as we deliver three names they should consider given the many factors, including a potential lack of top-tier European football next season.
Brice Samba
Mike Maignan would still come across as a top choice for Chelsea should they enter the market for a new top-rated No.1. The AC Milan man might cost a lot of money should any club make a move, and the France No.1 might opt for another side other than the Blues due to the absence of Champions League football.
A brilliant alternative option is waiting in the wings in Brice Samba of RC Lens. The keeper has climbed his way through the France setup. He could even go to the Euros and has been solid enough when playing for the Ligue 1 side.
Should they consider a move for the France international, and will he suit Chelsea’s idea of a goalkeeper? Although the position itself is evolving, Mauricio Pochettino, if he does stay at the club, will decide on the player profile needed there.
For now, the many links are based on a player’s stature rather than his profile. Many top clubs are moving for ball-playing keepers to add a different dimension to build-up play, and Chelsea may have tried to climb on that train with the unfortunate decision to sign Sanchez. Samba has qualities that will suit the Blues, although he may not be their first choice when they begin searching for a new No.1.
Diogo Costa
Diogo Costa has made a name for himself with some accomplished performances for FC Porto and his national side, Portugal. The keeper has a massive €80 million release clause, something the Blues might be willing to pay should they cement their interest.
All eyes on Diogo Costa, a lot of hype around him. Reminds me of a bigger David Raya. pic.twitter.com/tpTsvDTHA0
— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) February 21, 2024
They are interested in Costa, and his midweek performance against Arsenal would have seen him jump up the ladder on Chelsea’s shortlist. The Portuguese international is a sensational footballer with total control of his box, as he showed against the Gunners.
A profile like that would be what Chelsea may want to replace Sanchez, but the price might prove an issue. Costa will cost a lot of money, probably not, which is a record-breaking sum that would beat the Arrizabalaga transfer.
However, the Blues will face plenty of competition from Costa, including from Manchester United if there are concerns around Andre Onana. But in the current order of things, they should consider themselves favourites for Portugal international, with Onana’s form improving at Manchester United.
Aaron Ramsdale
The Arsenal and England goalkeeper would be a sensational swoop should Chelsea attempt to test the Gunners. Ramsdale lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s side following the summer arrival of David Raya on loan.
With Raya now established in the No.1 role, as he visibly offers more than Ramsdale in terms of what Arteta wants, Arsenal are expected to make his move permanent. They will likely let Ramsdale leave and demand a considerable sum in exchange for their former No.1.
Arsenal might have demanded an enormous price during the January window, so Chelsea pulled out of the race. However, the Gunners will name their price in the summer and should Chelsea make another attempt, they might have to make a decision then.
Despite his demotion in the Arsenal setup, Ramsdale remains one of the best goalkeepers in England and will be worth his while to take up the challenge at Chelsea. In any case, the England international will want his subsequent move to a club where he is played regularly and might also throw in preferences like Champions League football.
We hope so