- 19 hours ago
Chelsea in talks to sign Dortmund STAR
Tom Weber
- 14 Mar 2023 16:54 GMT
- 3 min read
Chelsea have made a first approach for Dortmund's star keeper Gregor Kobel.
The London club are scouring the market for a shot-stopper to replace Edouard Mendy in the summer.
Having rejected a contract extension in December, Mendy could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea have already earmarked his successor, according to Sport1. That man appears to be Borussia Dortmund's first-choice goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel.
READ: How Chelsea would line up with Frenkie de Jong
The 25-year-old arrived at the Westfalenstadion from VfB Stuttgart in 2021 and has, for the most part, been outstanding for the Black and Yellow, coming up with some crucial stops this season to keep BVB in the Bundesliga title race.
Unsurprisingly, Kobel's performances in recent times have "aroused desires," reports Sport1's Patrick Berger. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has accordingly risen to €27.4m of late.
Is Gregor Kobel one of the best goalkeepers in the world?
Dortmund teammate Emre Can certainly thinks so. pic.twitter.com/kGKzxVIqod— DW Sports (@dw_sports) February 15, 2023
Prior to Chelsea's home victory over Dortmund in the Champions League round of 16, a first meeting between someone from Kobel's agency and people from the club took place, says Berger. Negotiations, if there are any at all, are still in the very early stages, however.
But with Mendy potentially departing and Chelsea not too keen on having Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, a secure stopper like the Swiss would be an ideal option for the Blues in the future.
Man Utd also in the race?
Chelsea aren't the only ones reported to have had their heads turned by Kobel's performances. Manchester United are also said to be among the parties vying for the 25-year-old's services.
With David de Gea looking increasingly unable to cope with Erik Ten Hag's style of play, the Red Devils are understood to be interested in the Swiss international, as are a host of other top clubs.
READ: Why Romelu Lukaku will return to Chelsea this summer
While he's not thinking about a move at the moment, according to Berger, "at some point, Kobel might start to ponder." Expect to hear more on this front in the coming months.
