Chelsea 'on brink of Djordje Petrovic signing'

Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to sign New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

The Blues bolstered their goalkeeping department with the signing of Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month.

Sanchez was brought into the club to provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga, but an injury to Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has altered the situation.

Arrizabalaga recently completed a move to Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal, leaving Chelsea looking for another shot-stopper.

Despite being linked with Denmark international Kasper Schmeichel, Chelsea have seemingly identified Petrovic as their main target.

© Reuters

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are on the verge of agreeing a £11.8m transfer with New England Revolution for the 23-year-old.

Chelsea, who have allegedly set a maximum budget of £20m to complete the deal, are currently discussing the payment structure with the MLS side.

While Sanchez is expected to continue as Mauricio Pochettino's first-choice goalkeeper, there is a belief that Petrovic can push the Spaniard for the number-one spot.

New England Revolution allegedly rejected bids from Nottingham Forest and Nantes for Petrovic earlier this summer.

© Reuters

There was also thought to be interest from Manchester United, who viewed him as a potential deputy to summer signing Andre Onana.

Petrovic joined the Revolution from Serbian side Cukaricki in 2022 and has a contract until December 2025 with an option for New England to extend his stay by a further year.

The Serbia international has kept seven clean sheets in 22 MLS appearances this season, helping his side move into second position in the Eastern Conference.

There is no chance of a deal being completed in time for Sunday's league meeting with West Ham United, ensuring that Lucas Bergstrom will keep his place on the bench as Sanchez's deputy.