Chelsea identify new priority as Romano responds to Real Madrid star chase

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Jul 2024 13:42 BST
• 3 min read

Chelse have decided that they want to add a new goalkeeper this summer, according to a report.

The Blues added two new shot-stoppers last year in Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, with the former initially meant to be the club's new No.1. However, as time went on, then-coach Mauricio Pochettino increasingly began relying on the latter, which cast doubt on Sanchez's future.

But with the arrival of Enzo Maresca, the Spaniard was given new hope of eventually winning back his place. Due to being more comfortable with the ball at his feet, the Italian tactician had reportedly decided that Sanchez was to be his starting option.

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According to The Telegraph, this is still the case, but Chelsea have in the past 24 hours decided that they want to add another goalkeeper who can compete with Sanchez for the No.1 spot. The club have yet to decide what is to be done with Petrovic, though he is still rated highly internally.

Lunin, Maignan not options

In line with their transfer policy since the Todd Boehly takeover, Chelsea are targeting a young goalkeeper who can be an understudy to Sanchez and eventually a potential challenger. The above-mentioned report states that it is highly unlikely the Blues will go for a starting-calibre star like Mike Maignan of AC Milan.

Links to Real Madrid shot-stopper Andriy Lunin have also been downplayed, with Fabrizio Romano insisting that he has not been part of the talks between the Blues and Los Blancos over Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard has Saudi suitors, with Al-Ittihad having already launched a bid, but he is desperate to remain in his native country.

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Lunin, meanwhile, could be on the way out after impressing last season in the absence of Thibaut Courtois. With the Belgian back fit, the Ukrainian is expected to lose his place again, but he will not be heading to Courtois' former Stamford Bridge stomping ground.