Things are starting to become clear in Chelsea’s chase for a goalkeeper.
For the third time in 5 years the Blues are in need of a new first team stopper, and after two dud choices they need to get this one right.
Until now they have had three key names on the list – Andre Onana of Inter, Mike Maignan of AC Milan, and David Raya of Brentford. According to the density of rumours, those are our top options.
But now that Tottenham seem to have swooped for Raya first, a new third choice is needed for if both Milan based stoppers prove impossible to buy. According to Nizaar Kinsella’s piece today, that picks could be Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Georgian had a brilliant season helping his team avoid relegation, and there’s a strong sense that he’s a Champions League level goalkeeper ready to step up after two years at the Mediterranean basket case club.
He won’t be cheap but he looks equally as good as Onana and Maignan, and his club may be more amenable to a sale. Much of this will depend on whether we’re able to find a buyer for Edouard Mendy, and it may be that we’re kept in suspense wondering who will come in until quite late in the window, when we’re finally able to sell on the Senegal stopper.
So don’t hold your breath – but keep an eye on our movements here.
