Chelsea is looking to replace Robert Sanchez with a world-class goalkeeper. Chelsea has been in the news lately, but not for the best reason. Manager Enzo Maresca has insisted Robert Sanchez is his number one but rumours abound of the club’s interest in a replacement for the Goalkeeper.
This secrecy makes sense. Matters over an athleteโs confidence are important โ especially in such an important position as goalkeeper. It could be counterproductive to a player to have the public talk of a replacement.
But not recently, according to recent reports. A German source claimed last week that Chelsea were interested in Borussia Dortmundโs Gregor Kobel. Now another German outlet, Bild, has filled in the gaps.
Chelsea is very interested in the 27-year-old Swiss goalkeeper, says Bild. Kobel has the potential to be the best in the world and they believe it, stated the Belgian public broadcaster. Whatever the truth, this strong interest means Chelseaโs public views of being happy with Sanchez are contradictory.
However, Chelsea is trying to find better options than Sanchez behind the scenes. It indicates Superior didn’t see Sanchez as a long-term solution for Chelsea. But they are on the lookout for a young player. Something they consider world-class.
But there’s reason to suspect that Chelsea does need a new goalkeeper. Many see that as a weakness in the team. Bild says that although the attention may be on Kobel, Chelsea is actively searching for a new number-one Goalkeeper. It goes beyond Kobel, too.
No link with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher comes to light. Chelsea are not just bluffing, they are checking out other potential options. Chelsea are largely believed by Bild to be interested in the seemingly RB Leipzig transfer target Kobel. They think he is a world-class goalkeeper in the making.
Chelsea Eye Dortmund Goalkeeper for Summer window
Realistically, this ambition chimes perfectly with Chelsea’s ambitions of trying to compete at the highest level. They’d want a better option than Sanchez, and surely they should be in the Champions League next season. So there are decent options.
Liverpool has already signed Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. So they would sell them Kellher I suppose. That would be a wonderful choice for Kellher and Chelsea. A no. 1 goalkeeping spot-on offer for Keller.
There is, however, a big hurdle. In October 2023, Dortmund did extend his contract, allowing him to play out until 2028. That implies his willingness to stay with the club and to win trophies for the club.
Last season Dortmund nearly saw that dream come true. As they reached the Champions League final, before losing to Real Madrid. But those fortunes have reversed this season. Knocked out the DFB Pokal they are a disappointing 6th in the Bundesliga.
Sanchez to be second choice or Sold?
While this is Chelsea’s opportunity to fail. Particularly to miss out on qualification for the Champions League. It is one that United not only won’t be afforded in two seasons’ time but one that hasn’t been, like Chelsea this season. Missing out on Champions League football would give them a big boost when it comes to signing Kobel, claims Bild.
Kobel’s situation certainly shows a long-term target, but also asks questions about Chelsea’s immediate plans. Are they prepared to wait until next summer. Will they ponder other alternatives in the rest of the window this summer?
They may be swayed by a number of factors. If Sanchez’s circumstances fail to improve, the pressure to replace him sooner will increase. Furthermore, other goalkeepers would be available.
It could be a solution that Chelsea doesn’t need to wait for next summer. As you can imagine, many factors would come into play. Such as contract situation, transfer fee and whether the player is willing to go.
Author’s opinion
In my view, Chelsea’s goalkeeper position is certainly shrouded in mystery. Yet actions speak louder than words and their public statements seem to suggest a satisfaction with Sanchez. The pursuit of Kobel and links to other goalkeepers give a different picture.
There will be interesting months to come. Will Chelsea strike a deal with the brilliant Kobel next summer. Will they plough ahead in the transfer window to find another keeper? Itโs only a matter of time to see how they get around this goalkeeping crisis.
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