Bad news for Chelsea as Bayern find their 'new Manuel Neuer'
Tom Weber
- 13 Oct 2023 07:18 BST
- 4 min read
Bayern want to make long-time Chelsea target Gregor Kobel the successor to Manuel Neuer, according to a report.
Though the Blues signed not one but two goalkeepers in the summer, neither Djordje Petrovic nor Robert Sanchez were expected to become the undisputed number one when they arrived.
Sanchez, brought in after falling out of favour at Brighton, was signed to offer competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga but instantly won the starting spot when the latter departed on loan to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid. Kepa is expected to leave permanently next summer.
READ: LaLiga boss BLASTS Chelsea, Man Utd and 'not normal' transfer business
All of this is to say that Chelsea have kept and will keep an eye on the goalkeeper market despite their summer business in that position. Borussia Dortmund star Gregor Kobel is a long-standing target, with the Blues even meeting his entourage when they faced BVB in the Champions League last season.
If they still have designs on his signature, they will have to battle Bayern for it.
The new Neuer
At least that is what Footmercato is reporting. The French outlet claims that Bayern have identified Kobel as the long-term successor for 37-year-old Manuel Neuer, who is still recovering from the broken leg he suffered on a skiing trip during the previous winter break.
Kobel recently extended his Dortmund stay until 2028 without a release clause, reportedly tripling his salary, but that doesn't preclude any future exit. On the contrary, media reports published immediately after he penned his new deal claimed that the Black and Yellow now value the keeper at between €50 million and €60m.
READ: Why Chelsea must move quickly to sign Bundesliga sensation
However, the French outlet reports that Dortmund could charge their Bundesliga rivals as much as €70m for the Swiss shot-stopper's services. It is claimed that Kobel's camp and Bayern are already in regular contact over a potential move.
