Chelsea could finally secure a long-standing transfer target of Roman Abramovich six years after failed deal
Chelsea might finally secure Roman Abramovich’s long-term transfer target, Jordan Pickford, this summer to resolve their goalkeeping issues.
The future of the England goalkeeper depends on Everton’s approach as they seek solutions to their well-documented financial struggles.
Despite retaining their Premier League status, Everton may need to sell one or two key players to address profit and sustainability concerns.
Pickford, with three years remaining on his contract, is one of Everton’s most valuable players.
Chelsea could be looking to bring in a new goalkeeper during the summer transfer window. Robert Sanchez has faced challenges and was subsequently benched in the months following his arrival from Brighton earlier this season.
Djordje Petrovic, who joined Chelsea last year, stepped in for Sanchez and delivered impressive performances.
However, there is widespread belief that Chelsea could find an upgrade, especially with Kepa Arrizabalaga unlikely to stay at Stamford Bridge once he returns from his loan at Real Madrid.
Consequently, Chelsea may be hopeful about signing Pickford, whose future at Everton remains uncertain.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 30-year-old’s situation is a topic to watch closely, as reported by the Express.
Despite being England’s top goalkeeper since 2018, Pickford hasn’t secured a spot with one of the Premier League’s elite clubs.
He joined Everton in 2017, and although he has been linked to Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, he has remained at Goodison Park, nearing 300 appearances.
In 2018, The Sun reported that former Chelsea owner Abramovich had his eye on Pickford as a possible successor to Thibaut Courtois, who was headed to Real Madrid. Jack Butland, another of Pickford’s England teammates, was also considered by Chelsea.
Nevertheless, neither transfer occurred. Butland stayed with Stoke City for three more years before moving to Crystal Palace, while Chelsea signed Kepa, who may now be replaced this summer.
Kepa’s temporary move to Real was due to Courtois’s injury, but after losing his starting role to Andriy Lunin, it’s unlikely that Real will retain him.
Kepa, once a record-breaking £72 million Chelsea signing, is set to return to Stamford Bridge this summer, leaving his future in question.
After his transfer to Real last year, Kepa subtly criticized Mauricio Pochettino, telling the Spanish press: “It’s true that Pochettino wanted me to stay. He told me that I was going to play, that he trusted me. But I thought that a change would be good for me; I wanted a change.”
Chelsea could finally secure a long-standing transfer target of Roman Abramovich six years after failed deal
