Chelsea eye Man Utd target as Maresca CONFIRMS transfer decision

Cameron Smith

31 Jan 2025 13:30 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly eager to sign Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel this summer amid Robert Sanchez’s poor form at Stamford Bridge.

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The Spaniard has made five errors leading directly to a goal in the Premier League this campaign - the most of any player - and Chelsea are looking to sign a replacement, despite Enzo Maresca publicly backing the former Brighton & Hove Albion star.

Talented Belgian shot-stopper Mike Penders will join the Blues from KRC Genk this summer, but he has only made nine senior appearances to date and is expected to be gently eased into first-team action at Stamford Bridge.

As a result, Chelsea are expected to pursue a move for Dortmund goalkeeper Kobel, according to The Independent.

The west London giants have reportedly identified Kobel as an ideal target to replace Sanchez in between the sticks, although a move isn’t expected to take place until this summer, while Chelsea could face competition from Manchester United.

© IMAGO - Chelsea reportedly want to sign Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel

Enzo Maresca responds to Robert Sanchez criticism

During his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against West Ham United on Monday, Maresca was asked whether Sanchez could benefit from being dropped from the starting XI.

“Sometimes it can happen, not only in Robert's case, but it happened this season with Alisson, no? I was reading about [Gianluigi] Donnarumma that Luis Enrique left him out. Sometimes it can be a solution but it does not mean it is Robert's case.”

Filip Jorgensen has only started two league games since his arrival from Villarreal, but Maresca has hinted that Sanchez could lose his place to the Denmark U21 international.

Current ETV

Robert Sánchez

Chelsea

Robert Sánchez

Chelsea

ETV Range

€12M - €20M

“The first time I spoke with Filip in July, I made it clear that the number one choice was Robert,” Maresca admitted. “We have two good goalkeepers, so we can make some different decisions. It doesn't mean that Robert can make a mistake every game and stay in goal.”

However, Maresca was eager to shut down rumours suggesting that Kepa could be recalled from his loan spell at high-flying Bournemouth. “No, absolutely not,” the Italian confirmed when asked whether the Spaniard could return before Deadline Day.