Chelsea announce long-term Marcus Bettinelli contract

Chelsea have announced that they have agreed a new long-term contract with goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Having spent much of his career at London neighbours Fulham, Bettinelli made the switch to Stamford Bridge in 2021.

When moving to the Blues, Bettinelli accepted that he would become no more than third choice behind Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, and that is how it has remained.

The 30-year-old has made just one senior appearance, featuring during the 5-1 victory over Chesterfield in the FA Cup third round in January 22.

With Gabriel Slonina having been signed from Chicago Fire, it had been anticipated that Bettinelli may eventually fall further down the pecking order or depart the club.

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However, it has instead been revealed that Bettinelli has committed his future to Chelsea, extending his stay until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Bettinelli told the club's official website: "It is a privilege to be at a club like Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a couple of years ago when I signed I was delighted to be here, delighted to sign.

"To be here now and see the club going through this transition and seeing what we are developing, it is amazing to be a part of and I am buzzing to be here for an extra couple of years."

The move comes at a time when speculation persists regarding the futures of Arrizabalaga and Mendy, as well as the potential arrival of a new number one.

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Mendy is allegedly against penning a new deal at the club, something which could lead to the Senegal international being sold during the summer transfer window.

While Arrizabalaga is now the established number one under Graham Potter, it is unclear whether the Spain international will remain in that position in the long term.

Meanwhile, Slonina, despite having already represented the United States at the age of 18, is regarded as one for the future, and may be considered for a loan spell away from Chelsea for 2023-24.

With Mendy having now recovered from a fractured finger, Bettinelli's place on the substitutes' bench may now come under threat ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture with Aston Villa.