Chelsea eye star duo to REPLACE summer signing

Updated: 30 Oct 2023 15:29 GMT
4 min read

Despite signing two goalkeepers in the summer, Chelsea remain in the market for a shot-stopper, according to a report.

The Blues underwent some significant changes between the sticks in the summer. Edouard Mendy headed to Saudi Arabia and Robert Sanchez was brought in to replace him. Initially signed to provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga, the former Brighton man found himself as the undisputed number one when his compatriot replaced the long-term injured Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid.

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MLS star goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was also signed, but he was always going to be a backup option. Sanchez has been mostly solid, but he has shown the same shortcomings that led to him losing his place at Brighton. Unsurprisingly, then, the Blues are scouring the market for a potential upgrade.

READ: Chelsea putting 'unnecessary pressure' on summer signing, says Shearer

Two LaLiga stars are among the Blues' list of targets and the club's scouts used a match at the weekend as an opportunity to watch both in action.

Blues eye LaLiga duo

According to 90min, Chelsea scouts were in attendance at Athletic Club's thrilling 2-2 draw with Valencia. Chelsea are long-term admirers of the latter's shot-stopper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and the Georgian is near the top of their shortlist, asserts the report.

However, the Chelsea employees also used the chance to keep an eye on Athletic's Unai Simon. Previously linked with Man Utd, the 26-year-old has emerged as Spain's number one in recent seasons.

READ: Chelsea one of five Premier League clubs interested in German wonderkid

It is claimed that signing an upgrade on Sanchez is not a pressing priority, but a move - potentially already in January - for a new goalkeeper can't be ruled out in 2024.

At just 23, Mamardashvili is a sought-after commodity and the highly-rated goalkeeper has been linked with a Premier League move before. Any transfer will be a pricey affair as he is under contract until 2027 and reportedly boasts a €100 million release clause, which, if triggered, would make him the world's most expensive goalkeeper.