Chelsea are prepared to outbid rivals to sign Leeds United star Illan Meslier as Graham Potter eyes a new goalkeeper.
According to Football Insider, Illan Meslier is Chelsea’s primary target between the posts for next season. The Stamford Bridge outfit are prepared to outbid rivals like Manchester United and Tottenham to land the 23-year-old Frenchman as Graham Potter seeks a new shot-stopper.
Illan Meslier has continued his meteoric rise at Leeds United, having established himself as the club’s undisputed No.1. The 23-year-old Frenchman has played every minute of their season and could leave the club if they suffer relegation from the Premier League.
Meslier has managed to feature on the radars of many top-rated clubs within the Premier League. Manchester United and Tottenham were credited with an interest at various stages. They could launch an approach in the summer if the teams are serious about recruiting a new goalkeeper.
One team that seems adamant about signing a new shot-stopper could be Chelsea. Graham Potter has seen enough of the quality available in his squad and wants a new keeper to bolster the backline. He may want to keep Kepa Arrizabalaga within the ranks and possibly sell Edouard Mendy next summer.
Since he was appointed Chelsea’s manager, Potter has preferred Kepa over Mendy, with suggestions the Senegal star might depart. The Spaniard would be left to fight for a place with a new arrival, who could be the 23-year-old Meslier.
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to outbid their rivals for Meslier. The report suggests they will look for a cheaper price range if Leeds suffer relegation. Either way, the Elland Road outfit have already named their price, which could be £30 million or over.
The range seems similar to what Arsenal recently paid for Aaron Ramsdale and seems reasonable from the market’s perspective. Chelsea might sit down with Leeds and negotiate to bring it down. As for their interest, Meslier could remain open to joining the London outfit.
Alternatively, he could consider his options, particularly if a Champions League playing team joins the chase. Either way, there could be a battle for Meslier in the summer if all those interested parties chase down his signature.
