MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 07:51:07| >> :120:18795:18795:

Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'considering' former Kepa rival as new goalkeeper

More Real business: Chelsea 'add' Madrid stopper to goalkeeping targets
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to make an official approach for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Chelsea have reportedly added Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to their list of potential targets.

During the second half of 2023-24, Djordje Petrovic stepped up impressively to deputise for the injured Robert Sanchez, who was unable to regain his place between the sticks even when he had recovered from a knee injury.

However, Enzo Maresca being appointed as the successor to Mauricio Pochettino will seemingly have a detrimental effect on Petrovic's future chances at Stamford Bridge.

With Sanchez being deemed to be better with the ball at his feet, the Serbia international looks likely to be sold or loaned out and an alternative backup option to Sanchez sought.

There has already been several names identified with Villarreal stopper Filip Jorgensen one of three potential candidates to be mentioned over the past 48 hours.

Nevertheless, it appears that Chelsea's recruitment team are prepared to give consideration to conducting further business with Real Madrid.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly in February 2024.© Reuters

Lunin on Chelsea shortlist

At short notice before the start of last season, Chelsea allowed Kepa Arrizabalaga to make the straight loan switch to the Bernabeu to provide cover for the injured Thibaut Courtois.

While Arrizabalaga made 20 appearances in all competitions, keeping nine clean sheets, he lost his place to Lunin for the second part of the campaign.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea have been left sufficiently impressed that they are open to sign Lunin over the coming weeks.

Despite starring for Los Blancos in 2023-24, making a total of 31 appearances, Lunin's situation has since changed courtesy of Courtois's recovery from a serious knee injury.

As it stands, Lunin will drop back to his role of number two, but the scenario is made more complex given that less than 12 months remaining on his contract.

That has seemingly left Chelsea ready to try to take advantage, aware the Ukraine international could be available for a cut-price fee.

Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin and Aurelien Tchouameni react after the match on April 30, 2024© Reuters

Could a swap deal make sense for all concerned?

From Chelsea's perspective, they may consider the possibility of facilitating a deal where Arrizabalaga or Petrovic could move in the opposite direction.

Arrizabalaga has previously spoken about wanting to complete a permanent switch to Madrid, while Petrovic may prefer to become backup at Real than at Stamford Bridge.

As for Lunin, the 25-year-old's knows that his stock has never been higher, and the decision he takes may depend on what offers arise from clubs who are prepared to make him their number one.

ID:548879:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5393:
Written by
Darren Plant

Click here for more stories about Andriy Lunin

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid's Kepa Arrizabalaga in action on August 25, 2023
Read Next:
Kepa denied Chelsea reunion as Blues 'reject' goalkeeper bid
>
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!