Chelsea transfer news: A new goalkeeper could be acquired in the summer window although Todd Boehly may already have the answer to the struggles in that position
Gabriel Slonina has shown on many occasions he can be Chelsea’s long-term goalkeeping option (Image: (Photo by Clive Howes – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
Chelsea face a number of major transfer decisions to make this summer as Todd Boehly looks to put together the final pieces of his major rebuild. A natural striker is the absolute priority for the Blues with their struggles in front of goal being brutally exposed this season.
No Chelsea star has hit double figures for goals this season and in 2023 the Blues have found the back of the net just 13 times. Napoli star Victor Osimhen is seen as the obvious addition after his blistering season in Italy where he is just four goals shy of Chelsea’s tally in the Premier League this season.
Another midfield acquisition is also possibly on the agenda, adding to the pre-agreed arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto ahead of the 2023/24 season. A new goalkeeper is also being discussed in west London with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy each having their own difficulties to nail down the No.1 spot.
According to the Daily Mail, via Bild, that could see both sold this summer with Chelsea setting their sights on Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel. The 25-year-old has made 29 appearances this season in Germany after struggling with some minor injuries throughout the last few months which also resulted in him missing the Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea.
Kobel still has over three years left on his contract at Signal Iduna Park which could see Dortmund demand a high fee if Chelsea act on that interest. However, with other more important options needing to be filled first, Todd Boehly already has his long-term successor in that position and yet another moment has proven that.
Gabriel Slonina, signed from Chicago Fire for £12million, was one of the first incomings under the new Chelsea regime and after breaking a long-standing international record. Starting the USMNT’s friendly against Serbia saw him become the youngest ‘keeper to start for his national team in over 30 years.
In that game, Slonina showed his fantastic shot-stopping ability and that attribute was also on show at London Cobham this week. In Chelsea’s behind-the-scenes training video, with the men’s and women’s teams ahead of their respective Champions League knockout games, Slonina was captured producing a wonderful double save which prompted shouts from his teams a big celebration from Benoit Badiashile.
Despite still being a teenager, Slonina has shown on numerous occasions he can fill the role at Stamford Bridge. While, it may still be a few seasons until he steps into that position, Chelsea and Boehly have been shown they don’t need to plan for the long-term in goal.
Source: football.london
