- 2 hours ago
EXCLUSIVE: Maresca pushed Chelsea to find new goalkeeper
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 19 Jul 2024 15:26 BST
- 5 min read
Exclusive
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca forced the change in transfer strategy to get a new goalkeeper, FootballTransfers can reveal.
The club had decided to leave the goalkeeping department but now they are are open to a new signing after offering Djorje Petrovic to Italian club Genoa.
The 24-year-old could yet stay but options are being discussed internally after the first two weeks of training under Maresca.
READ MORE: Chelsea set for CRISIS unless Maresca demands selling spree
Chelsea had decided to leave the position for the next window at least, but in recent days their new head coach, having overlooked training, has requested that a new goalkeeper be brought in.
Genoa just sold goalkeeper Josep Martinez to Inter last week but Petrovic is considered out of their price range even still, with there being uncertainty around the deal.
Petrovic joined Chelsea last summer in a £14m deal from New England Revolution but could well be sold this window, just a year later,.
Robert Sanchez, who spent much of last season injured, is expected to remain as Chelsea prepare to make moves in the transfer market.
Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili are believed to have admirers at Stamford Bridge, but no approach has been made so far.
Chelsea change tactics
Maresca's possession-based style will demand a goalkeeper to be comfortable
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The Blues have been training to play in a similar set-up to Maresca's previous club Leicester City.
The Foxes played with a full-back moving into midfield, and two attacking central midfielders pushing forwards into attack.
The new head coach is looking for a goalkeeper who is comfortable with his feet.
Meanwhile, we are told that Chelsea do like Lens striker Elye Wahi but are assessing their current set-up before they make a move.
