Xabi Alonso crafts new Chelsea transfer plan as two players ask to leave

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Chelsea are exploring the transfer market for a third-choice goalkeeper as Gabriel Slonina and Filip Jorgensen look destined to leave the club this summer, according to BBC Sport.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported on Tuesday that Slonina is currently training with the Blues’ sister club Strasbourg as he aims to secure a move to the Ligue 1 side - either on loan or permanently.

BBC Sport has since confirmed the United States ‘keeper has told Chelsea of his desire to seek regular minutes elsewhere, but a switch to Strasbourg is dependent on him impressing manager Hugo Oliveira in training.

The same publication understands Filip Jorgensen is also seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge, with the Denmark international another option on the table for new Strasbourg manager Oliveira.

However, BBC Sport claims Jorgensen is not as enthusiastic as Slonina is about joining Strasbourg, who finished eighth in Ligue 1 and reached the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last season.

A separate report from BBC Sport understands Premier League new boys Coventry City, who are managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, could be a possible destination for Jorgensen.

As Slonina and Jorgensen head for the exit door, BBC Sport understands Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is weighing up his goalkeeping options ahead of his first season in charge of the club.

BBC Sport claims Chelsea are looking at options in the transfer market, though the club may also find an in-house solution who can act as third-choice shot-stopper next season.

Jorgensen and Slonina have struggled for opportunities at Chelsea

Jorgensen joined Chelsea from Villarreal for €23million (£20m) in July 2024, signing a seven-year contract in west London.

However, the 24-year-old has been unable to usurp Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s No. 1, making just 36 appearances over the last two seasons.

Slonina meanwhile moved to Chelsea from Chicago Fire in August 2022 and was immediately loaned back to the Major League Soccer side (MLS).

The 22-year-old has never made a first-team appearance for Chelsea, having spent the 2023-24 season on loan with Belgian side KAS Eupen, and the 2024-25 campaign with Championship outfit Barnsley on a temporary basis.

In addition to Sanchez, Chelsea also have highly-rated Belgium Under-21 international Mike Penders within their goalkeeping ranks.

Penders spent last season on loan with Strasbourg, making 50 appearances in all competitions for the French outfit.

Widespread reports understand the 20-year-old is set to compete with Sanchez for a starting berth in Alonso’s side next season.

Penders, who officially joined Chelsea from Belgian Pro League side Genk in the summer of 2025, was named in Belgium’s World Cup squad, though he was an unused substitute for Rudi Garcia’s quarter-finalists.