Chelsea officially give up on target after TWO-YEAR pursuit

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Apr 2025 19:04 BST
4 min read

Chelsea are no longer interested in Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel despite recent reports of a meeting with his agent.

Article continues under the video

The Blues held a long-standing interest in the Swiss shot-stopper, who has been one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Germany over the past five or so years.

Current ETV

Gregor Kobel

Dortmund

Gregor Kobel

Dortmund

ETV Range

€37.4M - €45.8M

Kobel is perennially linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund, and it is thought that the upcoming summer window could finally see him take on a new challenge after a hugely disappointing season.

Recently, it was claimed that there would be a meeting between Kobel's representatives and potential suitors in London, with Chelsea and Newcastle said to be interested.

The Blues' attraction to Kobel dates back at least two years. In early 2023, Dortmund travelled to London for a Champions League clash with Chelsea, who used the occasion to hold exploratory talks with Kobel's camp. Ultimately, however, nothing came of it.

Chelsea not keen on Kobel

Chelsea insider Ben Jacobs now reports that the fresh links with Kobel are 'wide of the mark.' Contrary to the frequent speculation in the press, the West London club have not changed the goalkeeper plan they communicated in February.

Chelsea, as things stand, will not sign a new goalkeeper in the summer, given the host of options already at their disposal. Djordje Petrovic will return from his hugely successful loan spell at Strasbourg and be given a second chance by Enzo Maresca.

The Serbia international will compete with the much-maligned Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen for the No.1 role in pre-season. Additionally, Mike Penders is expected to enter the fray.

The Belgian was signed for a whopping €20 million last summer off the back of just two senior appearances and spent the season at Genk. There is growing interest in him, but it is likely that he will initially link up with Chelsea and only later in the summer head out on loan. Should he impress enough, he could even be kept around the first team next season.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store