Chelsea have reportedly made an enquiry regarding the availability of Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
The Blues are already well stocked for players who can feature between the sticks, Djordje Petrovic having impressed in the absence of Robert Sanchez during the second half of 2023-24.
However, if reports are to be believed, it will be all change under Enzo Maresca with preference being given to Sanchez for the number-one position.
That is a result of the newly-appointed head coach wanting a goalkeeper who is better equipped with the ball at his feet, the feeling being that Petrovic does not fit that requirement.
As a result, the Serbia international could potentially be allowed to move elsewhere, at least for 2024-25, and he was not named in Chelsea's squad for the pre-season tour of the United States due to a minor injury.
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Chelsea identify alternatives
In recent days, it has been suggested that Maresca could return to Leicester City to try to sign goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
According to the Daily Mail, the West Londoners have also made contact with Villarreal to ask about Jorgensen.
Despite already being 22 years of age, Jorgensen has made just the 44 appearances for the Yellow Submarine's first team, only keeping seven clean sheets.
Nevertheless, there is a perception that his reputation is only on the rise having made 36 outings in La Liga during the 2023-24 campaign.
The report claims that the Denmark Under-21 international is interested in sealing a transfer to Stamford Bridge, even if he would likely start as deputy to Sanchez.
A considerable stumbling block for Chelsea is Jorgensen being on a contract until 2029, while there is said to be a £34m release clause included in that deal.
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Which route will Chelsea take?
From a financial perspective, keeping Petrovic as a number two would make far more sense than spending a big fee on Hermansen or Jorgensen.
Valencia stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili is also said to be in the mix and valued in a similar price range as the aforementioned duo, somewhere between £34m and £45m.
That said, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital will want to deliver for Maresca, who will expect to be backed given that he is at Stamford Bridge to play a style of football demanded by his bosses.
Chelsea have enough players on their books that they can sell to raise the necessary funds to support a big-money move for a new goalkeeper, albeit it may take time to get a deal over the line.
Darren Plant
