MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 10:43:09| >> :120:4745:4745:

Chelsea transfer news: Enzo Maresca 'makes decision on goalkeeping situation'

Maresca 'makes decision over Chelsea goalkeeping situation'
© Reuters
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca reportedly makes a decision over how to handle the goalkeeping situation at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has reportedly made a decision over how to handle the goalkeeping situation at Stamford Bridge.

On Monday afternoon, it was confirmed that the Blues had chosen to replace Mauricio Pochettino with the Leicester City boss on a long-term contract.

As part of the conditions of his appointment, the Italian will allegedly have minimal say in what players arrive and leave the West Londoners and that responsibility will instead fall to the recruitment team.

Nevertheless, reports indicated that Maresca was hopeful of improving as many as four different positions, with the majority of them involved in the defensive area of the pitch.

There is allegedly an openness at Chelsea to acquire a new goalkeeper, someone which is comfortable with the ball at his feet with Maresca adopting a 'play-from-the-back approach'.

The Europa Conference League qualifiers have subsequently been linked with Burnley's James Trafford and at least two alternatives from La Liga.

 Chelsea's Thiago Silva, Robert Sanchez and Axel Disasi look dejected after Michail Antonio scores for West Ham United on August 20, 2023© Reuters

Maresca to place faith in Sanchez

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Maresca is prepared to place faith in Robert Sanchez, who has barely featured since December.

Sanchez had been first choice under Pochettino until he suffered a knee injury in December, allowing Djordje Petrovic to take his chance between the sticks.

Once he had recovered, the Spain international was largely kept on the substitutes' bench, only featuring in FA Cup ties against Leeds United and Leicester City.

With Chelsea needing to raise funds in order to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, the assumption was that Sanchez would be put up for sale.

Instead, the 26-year-old will be kept in Maresca's squad for the 2024-25 campaign, potentially being promoted to first choice ahead of Petrovic.

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca reacts on March 17, 2024© Reuters

Sanchez benefits from Roberts stay

Although Maresca is bringing a number of staff with him from the King Power Stadium, Ben Roberts is remaining as Chelsea's goalkeeping coach.

Roberts is familiar with Sanchez from their respective times at Brighton & Hove Albion, with the hope that it will seemingly help with Sanchez's development.

As it stands, it appears Marcus Bettinelli could remain as third-choice stopper, with American youngster Gabriel Slonina in line for another loan move away.

ID:545167:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5002:
Written by
Darren Plant

Click here for more stories about Enzo Maresca

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Las Palmas' Alvaro Valles before the match on January 27, 2024
Read Next:
Enzo Maresca 'looking to sign 26-year-old goalkeeper'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!