Chelsea keeping tabs on 2 La Liga goalkeepers as they look to sell 24-year-old star this summer - Reports
According to a report on BBC by Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea are looking to revamp their goalkeeping department by offloading Djordje Petrovic and roping in a new shot-stopper. As per the report, Petrovic's future at the club hangs in the balance, with new manager Enzo Maresca wanting to bring in a better ball-playing goalkeeper.
The Blues paid £14 million to New England Revolution for Petrovic's services last summer. He was signed as a backup to Robert Sanchez. However, he went on to become the club's first choice for the later part of the season after the Spaniard picked up a long-term knee injury.
Petrovic impressed when called upon, putting up multiple notable saves in between the sticks. In 31 games across competitions, he conceded 44 goals and kept seven clean sheets. However, with Maresca's possession-based pattern demanding a goalkeeper who is confident with the ball at his feet, Petrovic could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Nizaar Kinsella reports that the west London club have offered the Serbian to Genoa, who are looking for a replacement after selling Josep Martinez to Inter Milan. The Serie A club however considers him an expensive option way above their price range.
The report also states that the Blues are eyeing Villarreal's Filip Jorgensen and Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili as possible replacements for Petrovic. Both goalkeepers are considered better ball-playing options who could easily fit into the manager's philosophy.
Chelsea pre-season friendly schedule
The Blues will begin life under Enzo Maresca with a series of high-grade friendlies during their tour in the United States of America. Chelsea kick off their pre-season campaign with a clash against League One side Wrexham on July 24.
They will then play Scottish champions Celtic three days later at the Notre Dame Stadium, Indiana. On July 31, the west London club will face Mexican outfit Club America at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Maresca's side will also play Manchester City (August 3) and Real Madrid (August 6) during their tour in the States. They round up their pre-season activities with a matchup against Serie A champions Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on August 11.
Chelsea will kick off their 2024-25 campaign with a mouthwatering Premier League versus defending champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on August 18.