Chelsea Ready To Make New Transfer Move For Porto Goalkeeper Diogo Costa

Chelsea are "ready to invest" in the summer transfer window and one of their targets is Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to a new report.

Who is Diogo Costa?

The 23-year-old has emerged as possibly one of the most talented young 'keepers in Europe, already becoming a key player for Porto despite his age.

Costa has already made 109 appearances for his current club, not to mention winning 14 caps for Portugal, and he looks set to have a long and successful career ahead of him.

He has been constantly linked with a move away from Porto this summer, however, and Chelsea are one of the clubs who have been backed to snap him up. The Blues had issues between the sticks throughout the 2022/23 season, with neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Edouard Mendy proving to be convincing performers, and it has become clear that an upgrade is required in that area.

It increasingly looks as though Costa could be the man to solve that issue, with another update emerging regarding their pursuit of him.

Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Are Chelsea signing Costa?

According to O Jogo [via Sport Witness], Chelsea "continue to be a possibility" for the Portuguese giant, with Todd Boehly and Co now "ready to invest" in new signings after getting rid of some of the deadwood in the squad, including Mendy.

Porto are demanding a sizeable €75m (£64m) for Costa's services, however, so it depends on whether the Blues hierarchy are willing to pay such a hefty amount transfer fee.

While this is clearly a lot of money, this could be a move that ends up being inspired, considering Costa could potentially be a top-class No.1 for them for a decade, maturing into one of the world's leading goalkeepers.

He has shown already that he is a top-level performer, both at club and international level, winning two Primeira Liga titles and three Portuguese Cups, among other trophies. He has also been hailed as "world-class" by Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, who has known him well throughout his career to date.

It is essential that Chelsea bring in the right stopper to be a big upgrade on both Kepa and Mendy this summer, and while there could be more proven options out there, Costa feels one of the most exciting choices, given his age and the fact that Mauricio Pochettino has got a lot out of young players in the past, bringing through the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli at Tottenham, for example.

Tottenham Transfer News: Levy Working On Double Deal After Solomon

Tottenham are now working on deals for both Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven after locking up the signature of Manor Solomon, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Which players are Tottenham signing in 2023?

Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy have wasted no time rebuilding the new manager’s squad this summer, having secured the permanent captures of loan stars Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski right off the bat.

The Lilywhites have since added James Maddison from Leicester City in a deal worth roughly £40m as well as Italy international goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for around £17m, while there have been plenty of outgoings too (Transfermarkt).

Harry Winks has swapped clubs with Maddison and joined Leicester while Lucas Moura is not expected to sign a new contract, and it remains to be seen if Clement Lenglet will return permanently after spending 2022/23 in north London on loan from Barcelona.

Next up is a deal for free agent Solomon, which is all signed and just waiting for the Israel international to pass a medical, and then it seems attention will turn to the heart of defence, where Spurs chiefs have narrowed things down to their top two targets.

Are Tottenham signing van de Ven and Tapsoba?

Indeed, according to Romano, Levy and Co are already working on deals for both van de Ven and Tapsoba but it is not clear which one will follow in Solomon’s footsteps, as the Twitter transfer guru took to social media on Friday:

“Edmond Tapsoba remains in Tottenham list as talks are still ongoing. He's always been top target as new CB.

“Spurs are now working on both van de Ven & Tapsoba deals; up to the club to decide who they want to sign, also based on financial package.”

Spurs fans will no doubt be delighted that the centre-back search has come down to two such talented prospets, but it should really be a matter of both not either, with multiple reinforcements required in the back-line.

Antonio Conte’s side conceded 63 goals in the league in 2022/23, more than any side who finished 14th or higher, so a complete overhaul at the back is completely justified.

In van de Ven, Postecoglou would be getting a real star for the future, with Wolfsburg’s 22 year-old bursting onto the scene this season with 33 appearances in the Bundesliga this season. That said, the young speedster was playing as a regular in a top European league for the first time, so could require a bedding in period in England.

And that’s where Tapsoba could come in, with the 24 year-old possessing more high-level experience and capable of arriving as an immediate starter, having racked up 100 Bundesliga appearances and over 30 across the Europa and Champions Leagues.

The Burkina Faso international ranks highly on a number of metrics, scoring in the 90th percentile or higher across Europe’s top five leagues for centre back passes, progressive passes, progressive carries and successful take-ons, proving himself as a ball-playing expert who will aid Postecoglou’s fast-paced style from the heart of defence.

Backed to become “one of the greatest players in the world” by his former coach Ivo Vieira, Tapsoba has all the makings of a star, and his immediate impact would reduce the pressure on the younger van de Ven to force his way into Ange’s first XI straight away.

Southampton Could Hold Onto 24-Year-Old Talent Amid Premier League Interest

Southampton could soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief in regards to the future of Nathan Tella, with reliable journalist Darren Witcoop reporting that Burnley are now looking at former Saint Nathan Redmond instead.

How many goals did Nathan Tella score for Burnley?

The 24-year-old spent the 2022/23 season out on loan with the Clarets in the Championship, helping them to storm to the league title under the stewardship of new manager Vincent Kompany. Having never managed more than 18 league games in a season before his move to Turf Moor, he went on to feature in 39 games for the side in the second tier and was a key member of their first-team. He bagged 17 goals, with five assists along the way, and ended the campaign with a rate of 0.79 goal contributions per 90 – the best rate of his career.

Prior to this spell with Burnley, he had spent the entirety of his career playing for Southampton and their reserve side. He was handed his league debut for the Saints back in 2019/20 and has so far managed 33 games in the Premier League with them. However, his goal and assist rate at St Mary's Stadium hasn't been as exceptional as what he managed with Burnley, as he has just one goal and two assists over those fixtures with the club.

Are Southampton selling Nathan Tella to Burnley?

Having finally realised his potential and shown his ability in that Clarets team, Kompany has been keen to reunite with Tella again for the 2023/24 campaign. He has already expressed his interest in adding the winger on a permanent basis, but as of yet there has been no deal done to send him back to the club.

And it now appears as though Burnley could be moving on from the Southampton man. According to a report from reliable journalist Darren Witcoop, the Saints have whacked a large price tag on the head of the 24-year-old after his displays for Burnley.

It means that the Clarets are currently being "priced out" of a transfer move for the forward this summer. With no end in sight in terms of sorting out the financials, it appears as though they could now be looking elsewhere to boost their wings as the journalist also adds that they have turned towards Redmond. He also formerly played for Southampton, but has most recently spent time with Besiktas and is now a free agent.

It's no surprise that Burnley have been desperate to try and bring Tella back to Turf Moor, with their current boss Vincent Kompany viewing the winger very highly. During his tenure with the Clarets, the manager stated that the forward was a "raw diamond" and was able to help the side "in so many ways" because he "has all the tools".

Tella really did shine at Championship level then, so if Southampton can hold on to the 24-year-old, it could do their chances of an instant promotion the world of good next season.

Everton Target Adam Wharton Will Be Allowed To Move This Summer

Everton have been boosted in their efforts to sign Blackburn Rovers youngster Adam Wharton this summer, following a key update over his future at the club.

Who is Adam Wharton?

The 19-year-old midfielder is a highly thought of player at his current team, already becoming an important part of the setup, despite his tender years. The midfielder made 18 appearances in the Championship last season, 12 of which were starts, and he scored two goals and chipped in with one assist in that time.

Wharton is also a three-cap England Under-19 international, showing his international pedigree, and Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has said that he has "great potential" as a player. While his current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027, a move away from the Championship club could be on the cards in the current transfer window.

There is plenty of interest in the Englishman's signature and Everton have arguably emerged as one the front-runners to sign him, as the Blues look to plan for the future and bring in talented homegrown players.

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding what could happen with Wharton this summer, and it is one that could be met with positivity at Goodison Park.

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Could Everton sign Adam Wharton?

According to Football League World, Wharton looks likely to leave Blackburn this summer, in what they describe as a "twist" and a boost for Everton, albeit along with a number of other Premier League clubs:

"Blackburn could be forced to sell Adam Wharton this summer as the owners reduce the investment they put into the club.

"It has been claimed by the Mirror that the Indian government has told the Venky’s to ‘slash overseas investment’, which means that the budget at Ewood Park will be reduced by 20%.

The report confirms Everton are admirers of the player, before going on to say:

"Therefore, this twist will give those clubs a real belief that Wharton can be prised away from the Lancashire side this summer."

Wharton certainly looks like a fantastic young prospect, having been described as "outstanding" by journalist Alan Nixon in the past, as well as being called "technically one of the best footballers I've ever worked with at Under-18s level" by Blackburn Under-18s head coach Ryan Kidd, quite the compliment indeed.

Granted, Wharton wouldn't be signed as an immediate key starter for Everton, if he were to move to Goodison in the near future, but he is someone who could gradually become a formidable presence in the team over time, perhaps emerging in the shape of a Ross Barkley or Wayne Rooney when he burst onto the scene back in the early 2000s.

It clearly won't be easy for the Merseysiders to get their man, considering the level of interest in him from other Premier League rivals this summer, but if Blackburn have to sell and Sean Dyche manages to sell the Blues as a club to him, he could be a wonderful addition in the northwest for many years to come.

Sunderland Deal Held-Up For 18-Year-Old Talent

Sunderland looked like they were close to bringing in Eliezer Mayenda – but a deal is currently being held up, as reported by journalist Santi Aouna.

Who is Eliezer Mayenda?

The 18-year-old currently plays for Sochaux in France and has already burst onto the scene and their first-team picture despite being in his teens. He made his league debut for the Ligue 2 outfit during the 2022/23 season and played 15 times in total for the club, although only one of those appearances was a start.

The striker though did manage to hit the back of the net despite his youth and when you consider he managed only 3.2 lots of 90 minutes, it isn't a bad rate for the youngster.

He's also clearly regarded highly at national team level as well, albeit not with the first-team. Mayenda has represented Spain at youth team level, making his debut for their Under-17 side only last year and playing three times for his country. The centre-forward then is clearly viewed as having some talent, so it's no surprise to see Tony Mowbray and Sunderland weighing up a move.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray.

Are Sunderland signing Eliezer Mayenda?

Now, his performances could have earned him a move to England. According to journalist Santi Aouna, Sunderland have already reached an agreement to bring the 18-year-old to the Championship – but it has currently been put on hold. That is because, despite already sorting out a move for the wonderkid – and with the man himself eager to switch to the Stadium of Light – Sochaux are now holding out for more money.

"Agreement reached between Sochaux and Sunderland for the transfer Eliezer Mayenda," the reporter said.

"But the file is temporarily blocked by the Sochaliens who are now demanding more money. Striker wants to join Sunderland."

It looks as though a move could therefore hinge on whether one of the two clubs can alter their offer or valuation for Mayenda. If Sunderland don't opt to splash more funds, a move could fall through at the last hurdle, which would certainly be frustrating.

It would be a shame for the centre-forward, who seems to want to head to the EFL outfit now. It's unclear how much Sochaux are holding out for, or how much is currently on the table, but Transfermarkt suggest that his value is around the 300,000 Euro mark (or £259,900) and that would be a fairly cheap transfer for someone who is still only young but is already proven in a first-team environment.

There isn't much to go off in terms of what he could offer Sunderland, having only played those 15 league games for Sochaux so far. However, his reserve team stats make for good reading, as he bagged four in 14 in National 3 – Group J for the youth setup.

He clearly knows where the back of the net is then – and more gametime, for a side in Sunderland who do have a young team already, could allow him to prosper if he does move to the Stadium of Light.

Arsenal’s £110kp/w Outcast Shining In Pre-Season

Arsenal’s summer has been full of excitement in several ways.

Mikel Arteta has concluded some outstanding business in the transfer market, welcoming Kai Havertz and Jurrien TImber to the club, on top of club-record signing Declan Rice.

The goals have also been flowing having scored ten across two games with the MLS All Stars and now Barcelona.

Scoring five against the former was hardly seen as an achievement given the quality of the opposition but to do so against the LaLiga champions was a statement of intent.

Who was Arsenal’s best player against Barcelona?

As there were against the All Stars, several players stood out. Leandro Trossard was once again the true hero of the evening, adding to his wonderful goal in that previous clash with two more versus Barca.

Fabio Vieira was another to make a statement to Arteta in that win, scoring a late goal from the substitutes bench.

Having missed a penalty in the bizarre post-game shoot-out against Manchester United, this was a confidence booster for a player who has been criticised considerably by sections of the fanbase.

It is unlikely the Portuguese will feature too often in the early parts of the season but this was a moment that helped stake his claim.

Another to do so was Kieran Tierney, a player under the microscope over the summer.

Is Kieran Tierney leaving Arsenal?

After starting just six times in the Premier League last term due to both injuries and the form of Oleksandr Zinchenko, it looked as though the Scot would take his leave once the window opened.

The likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa have both registered interest and indeed it may well be that he still leaves before September 1st.

Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.

Yet, on the evidence of his performances throughout pre-season, the left-back deserves to stay and fight for his place.

After Zinchenko’s arrival and displays as an inverted full-back, many forgot just how good Tierney was. Remember, this is a player who not too long ago boasted the side’s biggest threat. Indeed, in 2020/21, only 17% more full-backs in the division attempted more crosses while he sat inside the best 1% of positionally similar players for take-ons that led to a goal.

Yet, his form has severely dwindled in recent years, so much so that he ranked only in the best 38% of full-backs in the Premier League for crosses last season and the worst 45% for take-ons that led to a goal.

Against Barcelona, in particular, he demonstrated the sort of form that once saw him rank in the top 1%.

How did Kieran Tierney play against Barcelona?

The £110k-per-week earner was only on the field for 20 minutes but during his brief outing, assisted Trossard’s second of the game.

Tierney burst forward and from a more central position than he is perhaps typically used to, fired the ball into the box for the Belgian to find the net.

Although the defender may well find it a challenge to play in the inverted role that Zinchenko has made his own, his ability in the final third can never be questioned.

Galivanting forward at any opportunity, the Scotland international still represents a fabulous option and ahead of the new season, has well and truly played himself back into contention for a starting berth.

He was assured in his passing against Barca, ending his time on the field with a 100% success rate while there was a sternness in defending, winning 100% of his duels as he stopped Ousmane Dembele in his tracks on the left.

Whether or not Tierney does start against Nottingham Forest on the opening weekend is up for debate, but he has surely done all he can to make a point to the manager. The haters have well and truly been defied.

Rangers Dealt Blow As Two Key Men Could Leave This Summer

Influential Rangers pair Glen Kamara and James Tavernier are still both wanted by various clubs in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

How old are Glen Kamara and James Tavernier?

The Gers have a massive season ahead of them, as they look to try and narrow the gap between themselves and rivals Celtic. Last season, they fell short to them in the Scottish Premiership title race, and they will know that improvements are needed if that is to change this time around.

While new signings are vital, in that respect, retaining the services of the most important players is also key, especially having already lost Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

Two individuals who certainly fall into that bracket are Kamara and Tavernier, who are 27 and 31 years of age respectively, and have played a huge part in the success at the club in recent years, making a whopping 595 appearances between them.

The Gers could find it hard to keep hold of the pair this summer, however, with both potentially feeling it is time to enjoy a new challenge, having gone as far as they can at Ibrox. A new update suggests that that could be the case.

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

According to TEAMtalk, Rangers could find it difficult to retain the services of Kamara and Tavernier beyond this summer, with lots of interest in the duo:

"We understand that Ibrox has once again emerged as a hunting ground for Gala, with Glen Kamara and captain James Tavernier two top targets.

"Kamara has already come to an agreement with Gers boss Beale that he can train away from the first-team until his future is resolved. TEAMtalk understands that there is interest in Italy, Germany and England for the Finland international.

"Indeed, recently relegated duo Leeds United and Southampton have maintained an interest in Kamara despite dropping down to the Championship. Meanwhile, Galatasaray have also asked about hugely influential Ibrox skipper Tavernier. The 31-year-old is also a target for Saudi side Al Ettifaq, where his former boss Steven Gerrard is now in charge."

Rangers must do all they can to persuade at least Tavernier to stay but preferably both, with the thought of losing two senior stars a concerning one, immediately hampering their title hopes in the process.

Tavernier's quality from right-back down the years has been so influential, with an incredible 101 goals and 117 assists coming his way from a defensive role, and while he isn't getting any younger, he would be an enormous loss.

Similarly, Kamara has been a classy figure in front the defence since arriving from Dundee back in 2019, enjoying an 89.4% pass completion rate in the league last season despite falling a little down the pecking order.

Should the pair both move on to pastures new, it is essential that Rangers replace them with tailor-made alternatives who possess their level of quality or experience – admittedly, such players aren't easy to find – or it is difficult to see Michael Beale's side mounting a genuine title challenge up against Celtic, even though the exit of manager Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham may weaken them.

Klopp Eyeing Gini 2.0 As Liverpool Push For £43m "Greatest Talent"

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp remains interested in Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch as he continues to reassemble the Anfield side's midfield.

Are Liverpool signing Ryan Gravenberch this summer?

That's according to German publication SPORTBILD, which claims that the Premier League outfit are considering returning for the Dutchman after registering an interest earlier this year.

While reports differentiate, it is claimed that Liverpool may have to shell out as much as €50m (£43m) to secure the 21-year-old's signature, with the Bavaria giants having signed him from Ajax for €24m (£20m) one year ago.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

The Reds have already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer, with negotiations for Southampton's defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia also occuring, but could move for another central star to restore the balance.

What position is Ryan Gravenberch?

While Gravenberch will have arrived at the Allianz Arena jubilant and raring to go at one of Europe's pre-eminent outfits, the 2022/23 campaign proved to be anything but fruitful for the midfielder, on a personal level.

Gravenberch made 33 appearances for Bayern across all competitions, winning the Bundesliga title and the German Super Cup, but only started three times in the league, very much enshrouded in obscurity.

It's worth remembering that he is at the early stage of what hints at developing into a fantastic career, and made the leap to one of the most imperious outfits in football, but such a peripheral role will unquestionably leave Gravenberch demanding assurances over his role.

The season prior, 21/22, the ace starred for Ajax as one of the most prodigious starlets the club have seen in recent years, recording an average Sofascore rating of 7.17 in the Eredivisie, completing 86% of his passes, averaging 1.1 key passes per game and 1.6 tackles per outing – former Ajax forward Wim Kieft has even hailed him to be the country's "greatest talent".

An industrious and assured presence on the ball, the 11-cap Dutchman could emulate his compatriot Gini Wijnaldum and earn an untouchable starting berth at Anfield.

ryan-gravenberch-newcastle-united-transfer-news-opinion-premier-league

Wijnaldum completed a £25m transfer to Liverpool from Newcastle United in 2016, one year on from the indefatigable ace's departure from Dutch side PSV, and would be pivotal to the illustrious success on Merseyside under Klopp's management, even dubbed "irreplaceable" by writer Richard Jolly.

Wijnaldum plied his trade with perfect precision and care, an unwavering middleman between the defensive and final third and a true stalwart for the club, with his energy levels the turbo-charged engine for Klopp's high-octane system – a view shared by former Feyenoord boss, Gertjan Verbeek:

"His work ethic is very high, always working hard, always stable. He's the leader, not only in talking, but how he plays in the game."

And having never dropped a pass success rate in the Premier League for the Reds below 87%, he was the metronome and left Anfield a legend after forging 237 appearances, notably instrumental in winning the Premier League and Champions League.

Big boots to fill, but Gravenberch has demonstrated the rounded scope of his skill set already, ranking among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 24% for progressive passes, the top 18% for successful take-ons and the top 27% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

While the lion's share of the listed metrics are not quite second to none, they illustrate the expansive style of his craft, and just how refined the £151k-per-week conductor could become, if offered a prominent role.

Liverpool might just be able to offer him that.

While he does not waltz into the Merseysiders' starting XI, he boasts the tools to build a successful Premier League career for himself, and the Kop might sing Gravenberch's name in adulation to rival Wijnaldum's in the future – Klopp now needs to get it done.

Leeds Set To Sign "Perfect" £24k-p/w Titan After Deal Agreed

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their attempts to strengthen the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Leeds transfer news?

According to The Telegraph's Mike McGrath, the Whites are set to land Tottenham Hotspur central defender Joe Rodon on a season-long loan.

The reporter has stated that the west Yorkshire outfit have agreed on a deal with the Premier League side to secure the Wales international's services on a temporary basis.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

"Tottenham have agreed a deal for Wales centre-back Joe Rodon to join Leeds on a season-long loan. Formalities of deal to follow in coming days," he tweeted.

If the deal gets complete this week, it could see him available for the trip to face Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon.

How good is Joe Rodon?

The 25-year-old titan is a proven Championship performer who also has top-level experience and would come in as a far better option than Robin Koch, who has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the season, for Daniel Farke.

Rodon spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with Rennes in France and averaged a solid Sofascore rating of 6.88 across 16 Ligue 1 outings as he won 61% of his duels and completed 90% of his attempted passes.

Koch, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.63 over 36 Premier League matches for Leeds, which placed him 17th within the squad. The Germany international came out on top in 57% of his duels and finished the season with a pass completion rate of just 77%.

Leeds defender Robin Koch.

Both players were plying their trade in major European leagues and Rodon stood out above the former Freiburg man with his average performance level, quality in possession, and his strength in physical contests.

The Tottenham outcast's score for Rennes was also higher than any Whites defender managed last term as Max Wober led the way with a rating of 6.84, which means that the possible new signing could be the best central defensive option for the head coach this season.

This suggests that the 6 foot 4 colossus would be better for Leeds than Koch was for the club last term due to his ability on and off the ball at the heart of the defence.

Rodon would also come in with Championship experience from his time with Swansea earlier in his career.

During the 2019/20 campaign, the £24k-per-week gem averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.99 across 21 appearances.

No Leeds player with at least five appearances averaged a Sofascore rating higher than 6.98 for the club last term and this suggests that the Spurs talent has the potential to be an outstanding performer for Farke.

Rodon, who was once hailed as "perfect" by ex-manager Jose Mourinho, would come in as a defender who can hit the ground running as he already knows the country and league, rather than coming in from a foreign club with no experience of English football.

This could allow him to make an immediate impact on the pitch as a way better option than Koch, and potentially the rest of Farke's centre-backs, which is why this signing could improve the squad and, therefore, the club's chances of earning promotion straight back to the Premier League over the next nine months.

Chelsea Plotting Swoop For "Top Class" £33k-p/w Colossus

Chelsea have set their sights on signing Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel this summer, but he isn't the only option being looked at by Mauricio Pochettino in the Premier League, according to reports.

When did Gregor Kobel join Borussia Dortmund?

Kobel first arrived at the Signal Iduna Park from Stuttgart back in 2021 and has since gone on to establish himself as Edin Terzic’s official number one, clocking up a total of 75 appearances between the sticks to date, but there’s a chance he could be on the move having previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Back in April, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that whilst the Blues had identified the 25-year-old as an ideal successor for Edouard Mendy following his move to Al-Ahli, a switch was unlikely to take place. He said:

“News #Kobel: Chelsea is monitoring the goalkeeper market & Kobel is one of the names they have discussed internally. They are also in good contact with his agents. But not more at this stage. It’s not hot. Kobel is very likely to stay at #BVB in summer and #CFC has other candidates on their list.”

Read The Latest Chelsea Transfer News HERE…

The Switzerland international still has another three years remaining on his contract over in Germany, but with Kepa Arrizabalaga having been made a top target by Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich, Todd Boehly is looking to take a second bite of the cherry with the shot-stopper that he previously decided not to pursue.

Are Chelsea signing Gregor Kobel?

According to The Evening Standard, Chelsea are "looking at" Kobel, alongside Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili, as the two goalkeepers on their "shortlist" for the summer transfer window.

Kepa is believed to be "open to joining" Bayern, who are "preparing" a loan offer with an option to buy, and the club are "unlikely to stand in his way" meaning that a replacement will be needed should he depart.

Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

How many clean sheets has Gregor Kobel kept?

In the Bundesliga last season, Kobel kept 11 clean sheets from 27 games which is an extremely impressive return, and having been hailed a “top class” goalkeeper by journalist Josh Bunting, Pochettino would be handed a huge boost should he decide to leave Borussia Dortmund and join Chelsea to work under the Argentine.

The Zurich native, who earns £33k-per-week, also made a total of 88 saves from 119 shots on target against, giving him a success rate of 73.9%, via FBRef, which is slightly higher than Kepa’s 73.3%, showing that he’d be an upgrade on the boss’ current first choice.

Standing at 6 foot 4, Tuchel's colossus additionally has a superb range of passing having completed 100% of his short attempts and 99.1% of his medium dispatches during the previous campaign, so for a player with such an eye for picking balls to his outfield teammates, this should be a no-brainer of a deal for chiefs to wrap up if the opportunity presents itself in the final weeks of the window.

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