Chelsea are keen on bringing in Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, as new boss Enzo Maresca looks to shake up his goalkeeping unit.
The Blues are in the market for a new goalkeeper after a disastrous last campaign, with neither Robert Sanchez nor Djordje Petrovic making the No.1 spot their own. Sanchez, having arrived from Brighton and Hove Albion, started the season as Chelsea’s No.1 but a hamstring injury saw him spend months on the sidelines. Petrovic deputised well in the Spaniard’s absence, although Enzo Maresca isn’t convinced about him as he wants a goalkeeper composed with the ball at his feet.
Sanchez fits that category well and, while Maresca is expected to start the new season with him as his first-choice goalkeeper, he wants a new shot-stopper to keep the Spaniard on his toes. Thus, Chelsea have reportedly approached Villarreal over a possible swoop for Filip Jorgensen. They are expected to agree a deal worth about €25million for the Danish goalkeeper.
This will be the Pensioners’ potential third goalkeeper signing in two summers, having signed Sanchez and Petrovic from Brighton and New England Revolution, respectively. Jorgensen, 22, enjoyed his breakthrough campaign at Villarreal this past term, putting in a series of impressive displays between the sticks. He made more saves (143) than any other goalkeeper in La Liga.
Filip Jorgensen’s move would put Djordje Petrovic’s future in doubt
Jorgensen has proven his quality in La Liga, catching the eye with his reflexes, shot-saving ability and composure on the ball. After doing well for Villarreal, the opportunity to play in the Premier League and ply his trade for one of the biggest clubs in England will be quite enticing for the 22-year-old. The Dane will want to showcase his skill set at the highest level and test himself against the best players in the Premier League.
However, Jorgensen’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge would put Petrovic’s future in doubt. Due to an injury, the Serbian hasn’t travelled with the Chelsea squad for the US pre-season tour. He will likely become the third-choice goalkeeper under Maresca once the Villarreal star joins Chelsea.
This could see Petrovic demand the club to let him leave on loan or sell him this summer. If he does move, the Blues may decide to go for another goalkeeper after Jorgensen or promote the academy kid. Kepa Arrizabalaga is surplus to requirements at the club and will be sold.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
