Chelsea face Man City competition for Sanchez replacement

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Mar 2025 11:26 CDT
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Robert Sanchez, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, according to a report.

The Serbia international is refusing to extend his contract in the Eternal City even though a renewal looked a foregone conclusion just a few months ago.

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Italian media began reporting last week that negotiations over fresh terms had reached an impasse due to the demands from the player's camp. It is claimed that Svilar is asking for a salary worth €4 million per season, and Roma are unwilling to accept this.

Though the Serie A giants have been much-improved under the legendary Claudio Ranieri, Roma could still miss out on European football and this has cast doubt on the futures of several players.

The capital club will have to shed some wages should they indeed fail to play internationally next season and this is why they are reluctant to accede to Svilar's demands.

Chelsea face Svilar competition

The contract stalemate has pushed the 25-year-old into the spotlight and last week it was claimed that Chelsea had made an initial approach to test the waters regarding a potential summer transfer.

CaughtOffside now confirms the interest from Chelsea and adds that Man City are also keeping an eye on Svilar's situation at Roma. Man City are looking for a replacement for Ederson, who is expected to leave the club this summer after already coming close to an exit last year.

As for Chelsea, the chances of them dipping into the market for yet another goalkeeper have been played down, but there is no getting around the fact that they need an upgrade on Robert Sanchez.

The Spaniard was recently reinstated as the club's No.1 and immediately looked wobbly against Arsenal. Svilar's compatriot Djordje Petrovic is set to return from his Strasbourg loan in the summer and compete for the starting spot, but perhaps he could be joined by his international teammate.