New manager appointed by the Blues, but all is not freshened out. That is what being conversed in and around the footballing world about the concerns over the club’s ‘Last man of defence’ for the upcoming season. Maurizio Sarri is desperate to bring his success from Naples to south-west London, as the takes over Chelsea and is relying on some of his advocates of the past as well as class players already in hand to get ready for another action-packed Premier league season, beginning on August. One of the prime examples of his plans is the Jorginho’s transfer from Napoli and links to various other stars like Gonzalo Higuain whom he has coached earlier.
Even though he is slowly building up a stable squad combining his artilleries, major concerns remain over goalkeeping position that is proving an utter confusing one ahead of the season. The Blues knew that they will run into such type of trouble at the end of the last season, not only because they missed out on Champions League football by finishing 5th but also that their star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is on the verge of leaving the club.
The Golden Glove winner at the recently concluded World Cup in Russia, whose contract runs down this summer, previously claimed that he will decide on his future after the global event. But with his children staying at Spain and Real Madrid in a serious chase for him, reports of him leaving Chelsea is at its peak. Sarri and the board thus are in stifling condition to whether led the star to go in return for another save maker in the transfer window or hold a meeting to sign a contract extension with him immediately.
For sure, the second choice Caballero won’t be allowed to increase his rank after horrendous goalkeeping at the world cup with nation Argentina and no chance for newly acquired former England goalkeeper Robert Green as he has already been presumed to be a backup keeper on the club website. So, a do or die situation at the Stamford Bridge.
Now, it is extremely likely that Courtois won’t stay and after having such a tremendous campaign with his nation Belgium it is hard to shoo off big spenders like Real Madrid’s interest. Chelsea needs to act quickly to set an asking price quickly or else lose him for free as they surge for his replacement.
And that list has been made which includes Premier league winner Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester, out of favour Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, Napoli’s shot-stopper Pepe Reina and also a link regarding a possible Petr Cech return.
Before beginning any discussions, it is safe to exclude Petr Cech from the list because of his belief in staying at Arsenal and turning down other interests as a mark of loyalty. Cech gained world-class status in his 12-year stay at Chelsea and left for its rivals for losing out his place to the now speculated keeper, Thibaut Courtois. Hence, a return to Stamford Bridge is the odd one pout over here. The same explanation can be done on Joe Hart who would by no means be travelling to London from Manchester after striking off from Pep Guardiola’s plan at City with awful loan spells to Torino and West Ham.
Kasper Schmeichel is, therefore, a better option to launch a bid for. The Leicester City goalkeeper was one of the representatives of the fairy tale chapter in the Premier League history in 2015/16 season and since then he has been regarded as one of the best after leading the club to title triumph.
Also putting up his gloves in place during relegation battles in preceding years and a clear reflection of his father Peter, the legendary goalkeeper at Manchester United, Kasper would be a fascinating budgetary affair to cool down this ongoing dilemma. After having a fantastic World cup spell with Denmark, it is the wait to see whether Leicester becomes reluctant or ease up the deal for this shot-stopper. It will surely be a no problem for the blues to get a Keeper who sustains so much premier league experience.
On the other hand, Maurizio Sarri may find a solution with his thinking of landing superstars whom he has already managed in the past by securing the transfer of Pepe Reina. With he at Napoli’s helm, Pepe Reina was simply outstanding. The Spanish goalkeeper came up to the task when asking for and save points for his side during a fruitful Scudetto chase at Italy. Moreover, he has sufficient premier league experience while playing for English giants Liverpool so it should not be a factor for him.
At the last, it is alright to say that Chelsea needs a goalkeeper in the market because Courtois’s stay is just like the fading sun on the horizon. However, whom did they sign? Robert Green!! Like seriously?? Even for a third choice keeper?? Damn!!
