As per reports from Spanish news outlet Marca, Thibaut Courtois is edging closer to an exit this summer following weeks of speculation. The Belgian international seems to have earned a big-money move to Real Madrid next season following an incredible 2018 World Cup campaign that saw him win the prestigious Golden Glove award.
However, it is believed that the transfer is unlikely to go through unless Chelsea solve their goalkeeping problems by signing their desired replacement. And here at MAEPL, we will discuss three players the Blues could target as they aim to replace their number one keeper at Stamford Bridge next season.
Gianluigi Donnarumma – AC Milan
Probably the most gettable target for Chelsea on this list, Donnarumma has been long been linked with a move to West London and the speculations further intensified after reports emerged of Courtois’ reported move to Real Madrid.
The young goalkeeper has made quite an impression during his time at AC Milan. After initially making a breakthrough at the age of 17, Donnarumma is currently regarded as one of the most promising goalkeepers in world football.
That being said, Donnarumma has endured a tough time at Milan in the past couple of seasons with his relationship with the fans turning sour after he rejected a contract extension. As a result, the 19-year-old has constantly been at the end of some stinging criticism even from his own fans and following the arrival of Pepe Reina earlier this year, Donnarumma is destined to leave the Serie A sooner rather than later.
Chelsea, in that regard, could be an ideal suitor for the Italian international. Despite his tender age, Donnarumma is quite an experienced goalkeeper. But, what really makes him such an appealing target for the Blues is the fact that the Milan number one will be available on the cheap due to their financial troubles, which could force them to sell their prized asset for a cut-price fee.
Jordan Pickford – Everton
By far the most logical choice for Chelsea on this list, Pickford is currently one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League following his incredible World Cup campaign.
Coming on the back of an impressive season with Everton, the 24-year-old was one of England’s best players as the Three Lions, to everyone’s surprise, reached the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
It is believed that the Toffees are eager to tie down their superstar to a long-term contract but having said that, the former Sunderland number one could be lured to West London with a lucrative contract offer from Chelsea.
A move to Stamford Bridge will not only hand Pickford an opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in European football but also present him with the ideal platform to showcase his talent in front of the whole world.
However, the 24-year-old will be an expensive buy given his fiery form and the length of his current contract.
Kevin Trapp – PSG
Kevin Trapp has been linked with a move away from Parc des Princes for the past couple of seasons following his lack of playtime at the club.
After initially moving to the French capital in a €9.5 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, Trapp lost his number one status to Alphonso Areola midway through the 2016/17 season. And last season, the German international featured in only four league games, which understandably intensified speculations linking him with a move away from the club.
Despite his lack of game time at PSG, however, Trapp has been identified as one of Germany’s best goalkeepers and was duly selected in Germany’s squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt