Chelsea’s shortlist to replace Bayern-bound Kepa

Updated: 9 Aug 2023 16:46 BST
4 min read

Kepa Arrizabalaga for Chelsea, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Chelsea have two goalkeepers on their shortlist to replace Bayern-linked Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to a report.

The Spaniard emerged as a shock transfer target for the Bavarians on Wednesday morning (August 9). With Manuel Neuer breaking his leg while out skiing during last season's winter break and his recovery not quite proceeding at the pace Bayern had hoped for, the German champions are looking for a goalkeeper capable of stepping in and potentially becoming the captain's long-term successor.

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Yann Sommer has just been sold to Inter, so signing another goalkeeper is an urgent matter with Bayern's campaign already commencing on August 12 when they square up with DFB-Pokal winners Leipzig.

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Chelsea, themselves, aren't particularly stacked in that department. Though they just signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton, they sold Edouard Mendy to Al-Ahli early in the window, while young American Gabriel Slonina is heading to KAS Eupen on loan.

They have drawn up a shortlist of potential Kepa replacements and it contains some familiar faces.

Chelsea revive interest in duo

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are ready to revive their interest in Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel and Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili should Kepa, who is said to be keen on the move, depart for Munich.

Both have previously been linked with the Blues, with Kobel in particular being a long-time target. When Chelsea hosted Dortmund in the Champions League last term, they apparently invited Kobel's camp for talks about a potential move while the German side was in London.

Mamardashvili, too, is a player that has previous with Chelsea, being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after having emerged as one of LaLiga's best goalkeepers.

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With domestic league football starting back up again in the coming days, Chelsea may have to spend a pretty penny to land one of their targets seeing as though clubs will become increasingly reluctant to sell.

Kepa's move won't flush a lot of money into Chelsea's coffers this summer as Bayern are working on a loan deal with an option to buy for the world's most expensive goalkeeper.