Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'consider reunion' with former goalkeeper as second Enzo Maresca signing

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 June 2024

Chelsea 'consider reunion' with former goalkeeper as second Maresca signing

Chelsea are reportedly contemplating a reunion with one of their former goalkeepers as they consider making further signings ahead of next season.

Chelsea have reportedly identified one of their former goalkeepers as a potential summer transfer target.

With Enzo Maresca now at the helm, the Blues' recruitment team are focused on acquiring fresh faces ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo had been signed on a free transfer, Chelsea now likely to sell one of their current crop to help boost their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Regardless of how that effort materialises, the suggestion has been that Maresca remains open to adding a new goalkeeper to his ranks.

That is despite the alleged belief that he feels that Robert Sanchez could impress under his guidance and Djordje Petrovic having made a notable impact during the second half of last season.

If Chelsea do bring in yet another stopper, they are likely to target someone in his early twenties, and it appears one of their former players could be in their sights.

Marcin Bulka in action for Nice against Newcastle in August © Reuters

Bulka emerges as Chelsea target

According to L'Equipe, Chelsea are open to the possibility of re-signing Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka.

Between 2016 and 2019, Bulka was part of the Chelsea academy system, making a total of 31 appearances for the various youth age groups.

However, it did not lead to a first-team opportunity and the Polish goalkeeper ultimately made the switch to Paris Saint-Germain, where he would make just two appearances.

Not until the most recent campaign has Bulka - now 24 years of age - reached double figures for league outings in a single season, starting all 34 of Nice's Ligue 1 fixtures.

While Nice would secure just a fifth-placed finish, they conceded just 29 goals, four fewer than eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Although Nice will naturally want to retain the services of Bulka, it is far from guaranteed courtesy of just two years remaining on his contract.

Co-owner and Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly reacts after the match on March 11, 2024 © Reuters

Is Bulka a realistic target for Chelsea?

The report suggests that Bulka is eager to quadruple his wages at Nice to approximately £44,000 per week, yet it is unclear whether the French club will accept those terms.

If Bulka was to leave Allianz Riviera, the chances are that it will be for a team where he would become number one given his lack of game time as a professional.

In senior football, Bulka has made just 64 appearances in all competitions, as well as earning one cap for Poland.