Chelsea goalkeepers, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Djordje Petrovic, have moved out on season long loan to Bournemouth and Strasbourg respectively.
Petrovic made 31 appearances for the Blues last season while Kepa was on loan at Real Madrid. Enzo Maresca prefers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen ahead of them. The Serbian international is joining the club which is also owned by Todd Boehly. He will return at Stamford bridge next season.
He becomes the second goalkeeper to leave Chelsea on loan this week, after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s move to Bournemouth. The Spain international has also signed a contract extension till 2026 before heading out. He is set to become the first choice keeper for the Cherries.
The 29-year old became the world’s most expensive after joining Chelsea for £72 m in 2018. His poor performances led to his downfall at the club. This loan move is a great opportunity for the keeper to showcase his abilities and get a better transfer move next season.
Petrovic’s contract with the Blues’ runs till 2030. He is expected to make his debut for the Ligue 1 side on 15th September against Angers. Third choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has sent a farewell message to the Serbian. He says;
“One of the best guys about! Good luck brother and see you soon! The glue in the post.”
Ben Chilwell stays at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea and English full-back Ben Chilwell has not left the club despite falling off the manager’s books. The 27-year old is keen on staying and proving his worth to Enzo Maresca. He was one of the most wanted full-backs when he joined the Blues from Leicester City. The Englishman was a key player of Thomas Tuchel’s team which lifted the Champions league in 2021.
Manager Enzo Maresca has labelled him as the team’s third choice full-back. He has also lost his vice-captaincy role. Chilwell is not positionally fit to the manager’s tactics. Marc Cucurella has surpassed the Englishman as Maresca’s first-choice left-back, even youngster Renato Veiga, signed this summer, is ahead of the Chilwell in the pecking order.
The manager prefers full-backs who are comfortable in defending in a back three. Chilwell is a traditional left-back who likes to attack from the flanks, and make overlapping runs. He could have left for many Premier league clubs who would have taken his services gladly, but he did not seem interested.
According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester United have abandoned their pursuit of 27-year-old Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell. They do need a left-back and the Englishman would have been a great asset for them. His injury record prompted the club to not sign him.
Chelsea 25-man squad heading into 2024-25 season
After a chaotic transfer window, Chelsea have finally shortlisted a 25-man squad for this season. The manager was forced to banish senior players like Sterling, Chalobah and Chilwell as the squad is huge.
The Blues spent in the region of £200million on new signings, raising just under £150million through player sales. With no striker signed, Nicolas Jackson will continue to lead the attack. There are plenty of options in the attack and defense. Depth in the midfield is scarce.
Lets take a look at Chelsea’s 25-man squad;
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen.
Defenders: Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Renato Veiga.
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka.
Attackers: Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto.
The Blues host Crystal Palace in a London derby on Sunday.
Kick off time: 1:30 PM local time and 6:00 PM IST
Premier league streaming on: Sky Sports TV in the U.K and Disney Hotstar in India.
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