Chelsea keeping tabs on 22-year-old goalkeeper who could provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga - Reports
Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to challenge Kepa Arrizabalaga at Stamford Bridge.
According to the Evening Standard, new Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has decided that he's happy with Kepa being his No.1 shot-stopper next season. The Spaniard is now expected to stay with the west Londoners.
However, the 28-year-old could be given competition in the form of Mamardashvili. The Valencia goalkeeper is reportedly well-placed to arrive at Chelsea if Edouard Mendy is sold. The Senegalese shot-stopper is in talks with Saudi giants Al Ahli over a three-year deal.
Mamardashvili, 22, was in fine form in the recently concluded season, keeping nine clean sheets in 42 appearances across competitions at the Mestalla. Given his age, the Georgian international could be signed as a long-term replacement for Kepa.
Chelsea were previously interested in Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. However, they have stepped away from their pursuit of the Cameroonian, who's valued at £50 million. Pochettino is happy to head into the 2023-24 campaign with Kepa as his first-choice shot-stopper instead.
Kepa, though, endured a mixed 2022-23 season, keeping 12 clean sheets in 39 games across competitions. However, his new Blues manager thinks he and goalkeeping coach Toni Jiminez can further improve the former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper's game.
Chelsea stars Hakim Ziyech and Kalidou Koulibaly headed to Saudi Pro League
90min reports that Hakim Ziyech and Kalidou Koulibaly are set to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Ziyech is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi giants Al Nassr, where he will link up with iconic forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The Moroccan lacked game time at Chelsea last season, starting just nine of 24 games across competitions.
The 30-year-old has agreed on a three-year deal, pending a medical, as he's set to become the latest big-name player to arrive in Saudi and could be joined by Koulibaly.
The Senegalese defender is in Al Hilal's sights, and talks are progressing over a move. It's claimed that the 31-year-old has snubbed a return to Serie A on loan to secure a permanent switch to the Middle East.
Koulibaly is also set to be handed a three-year deal at the King Fahd International Stadium. He endured a disappointing 2022-23 campaign at Chelsea after arriving from Napoli last summer. The defender helped the Blues keep 11 clean sheets in 32 games, scoring two goals and providing an assist.