The Cherries have submitted an official bid for the Blue’s loanee goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. As the Cherries are in the hunt for a new keeper for their upcoming season in the English topflight. With an eye to making their lineup stronger for the next season of 2025-26. Petrovic who joined Chelsea in 2023 from MLS side New England Revolution after having a brilliant spell of time there. Petrovic having spent the last season on loan in Ligue 1 has returned to the Blues at the end of the season. After having signed from Major League Soccer in 2023 under the boss Mauricio Pochettino for the Stamford Bridge in London. Bournemouth are confident to make this deal will make their defensive third stronger. As they look to add a good young talent coming from the French Ligue 1 as they look for a better finish again.
Why does Bournemouth want Petrovic?
The Cherrie’s interest in Djordje Petrovic comes from their need for a proper main goalkeeping option. In the 2024-25 season of the Premier League, the Cherries brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga for a season-long loan from Chelsea. At the end of the season, Kepa returned to the Blues as the Cherries looked for another season with Kepa. But the Gunners purchased Kepa in a permanent deal from the Blues to the North London Emirates. As a result, Cherries manager Andoni Iraola is in need of a new man between the lines for them this season. The Cherries see 25-year-old Petrovic as a perfect man for that missing place in the team. At the age of 25, the Serbian keeper has the potential to grow further and could also be a leader within the squad. The Cherries are looking to secure this young capable keeper this season.
Chelsea’s stance on Petrovic:
For Chelsea, the potential exit of Petrovic was clearly imminent and would open up more spaces. As the Blues already have a pretty massive squad of players and need to deboard more players under the rules and regulations of the FA. With Kepa already leaving for the Gunners in a permanent deal and now Petrovic also on the potential exit in the coming days. As he arrived in the last 2023 season since then he has made only a total of 31 appearances for the side. Last season he was sent on a loan deal to their same parent club of Ligue 1 Strasbourg. The Blues boss Enzo Maresca believes he is not fit for their current squad system in Stamford Bridge. The Blues are using Robert Sanchez as their main goalkeeping option in the current FIFA CWC campaign and also for the new PL season.
Rival interests for Petrovic:
The main interest from the Cherries in the Premier League for Petrovic. But they are also informed about some of the disputes relating to the image rights for the player. Before signing the Serbian that needs to be settled to complete the move. Signed with the Blues with a seven-year contract till 2028 and rated at few around £25m. But except the Cherries, there is also interest from Sunderland, Monaco, and Strasbourg. Petrovic enjoyed a successful loan spell in the previous campaign and won their player of the season award. Galatasaray was another club interested in the player. But the deal with the Cherries seems to be most likely one in the coming days.
Author’s opinion:
Djordje Petrovic’s potential move to Bournemouth from Chelsea makes complete sense for all the parties. As the Cherries are also desperate in search of a young dependable player who can fight for the long-term. This decision for the Cherries to go for Petrovic can be vital leading to the next season.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
