The Blues are in search of a new goalkeeper this summer.
Image source: football-espana.net
According to a report from The Daily Mail, Chelsea are reportedly considering summer swoop for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Frank Lampard continues for a new keeper ahead of next season. The report also states that The Blues are willing to let go of their current keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in exchange. Kepa has enjoyed an underwhelming campaign this term, which saw Lampard often switch between Willy Caballero and the Spaniard between the sticks. The former Athletic Club man, also the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, has suffered a turnaround after what it looked like an impressive season under Maurizio Sarri the last term.
The Londoners have also been linked with a flurry of top-rated goalkeepers, ranging from Manchester United-bound Dean Henderson to Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid.
Ter Stegen is yet to renew his contract with the Catalan club as his current deal sees out in 2022. Nonetheless, there is a lot of positivity on Ter Stegen’s situation, with the German himself expressing his desire to continue his journey with the Blaugrana.
“It’s not possible that I’ll leave this summer,” – Ter Stegen said about the stalled contract talks. (h/t Evening Standard)
“There were some initial meetings between my agent and the club [regarding a renewal]. Then the virus got in the way and it wasn’t the moment to talk about a contract.
Ter Stegen has attained the untouchable status as Barca’s No.1 as many of the second-choice keepers Barca had signed in the past found it difficult to surpass the German. Having been considered as one of the most expensive goalkeepers at present, the former Monchengladbach star man continues to excel between the sticks for the Catalan club.
Besides his shot-stopping abilities, Ter Stegen is known for his excellent passing and precise distribution, the qualities that Kepa lacks in his arsenal. Ter Stegen was crucial for Barca’s treble-winning 2015/16 season and the following seasons where they established their domestic dominance. Despite coming up short in the La Liga title race this season, Ter Stegen is focused on the Champions League when Barca take on Napoli next month in the round of 16 second-leg.
Chelsea produced another horror show in the defence against Liverpool last night, where Kepa’s liability once again became manifest. The defeat means that their Champions League hopes are bleak and have to defeat Wolves on Sunday.
The Blues have managed to add some star-studded attackers to their ranks ahead of next season although they are still to make the much-needed defensive reinforcements.
