Chelsea is currently in the market for a new goalkeeper, despite Robert Sanchez being lined up to start the season as Enzo Maresca’s number one choice. This situation has raised doubts about the future of Djordje Petrovic, who impressed while deputizing for Sanchez last season under former head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Sanchez is positioned as the front-runner to assume the starting goalkeeper role under Maresca due to his alignment with the Italian’s preferred style of play. Although Chelsea initially delayed their pursuit of a goalkeeper to allow new head coach Maresca to evaluate the existing options, a recent decision has been made to actively seek a goalkeeper who can both compete with and serve as a backup to Sanchez.
Maresca’s vision for Chelsea’s goalkeepers emphasizes their ability to play the ball out from the back and demonstrate strength and composure in possession. While Sanchez has displayed promise in these areas during training, Chelsea is of the opinion that acquiring another goalkeeper with a similar skill set is necessary to effectively compete with the Spaniard.
Despite Petrovic’s promising potential, there is apprehension regarding the disparity between his abilities and Sanchez’s, particularly in the event that Maresca needs or desires to make a change in the goalkeeper position.
Given Chelsea’s aspirations to build a squad that can compete across a demanding 75-80 game season, including the upcoming Club World Cup, Maresca will need the flexibility to rotate his goalkeepers for cup competitions.
It is unlikely that Chelsea will pursue a high-profile goalkeeper as their primary target; instead, the focus is on securing a goalkeeper who can develop and provide competition for Sanchez, possibly initially starting as a substitute before vying for the starting role.
While there have been reports linking Chelsea to Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, it has been clarified that he does not align with the specific goalkeeper profile the club is seeking.
The future of Djordje Petrovic, whether through a loan or potential sale, is yet to be determined. However, Chelsea sources have emphasized that there are no doubts regarding his talent and temperament.
In addition to the goalkeeper quest, Chelsea aims to reinforce their squad with a new striker and a right-footed winger. Contrary to reports from Brazil, the rumored interest in Fulham’s Andreas Pereira is believed to be inaccurate.
Furthermore, Chelsea is poised to finalize the acquisition of 16-year-old Brazilian talent, Gabriel Mec, an attacking midfielder set to bolster the club’s future prospects.
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