Chelsea manager Graham Potter has a major decision to make regarding who becomes his starting goalkeeper. Kepa Arrizabalaga has replaced Edouard Mendy in the team since Potter's arrival but doubts hang over the Spaniard as to whether he is capable to retain his place.
The Spanish goalkeeper signed for the Blues after completing a £71million transfer from Athletic Bilbao, a deal which remains as the world record fee paid for a goalkeeper. After helping Chelsea win the Europa League in his debut season, Kepa struggled to maintain his form and soon lost his position as No.1 keeper under Frank Lampard.
The Spaniard has struggled throughout his time in west London but now looks to have turned his fortunes around after impressing under Potter in the first few weeks of his tenure. Edouard Mendy endured a difficult World Cup with Senegal and has failed to convince Potter, whilst Kepa's form dropped leading up to the break with the Premier League now set to resume.
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Todd Boehly is set to back Potter with a number of new signings in January as the Blues aim to recover a top four spot come the end of the season. There are a number of concerns in the squad that need addressing but Chelsea may be able to solve their goalkeeper issue by signing a young talent from a Premier League rival, despite facing competition from Manchester United.
At the age of 22, Leeds star Illan Meslier is one of the youngest regular starting goalkeepers in the Premier League. To be performing at the highest level at his age is a rarity in his position, so it speaks volumes about the Frenchman’s ability.
A report from Media Foot has now claimed that United and Chelsea are both interested in signing Meslier. The Frenchman's ability to play out from the back due to being comfortable with the ball at his feet could make him an attractive prospect for the Blues.
Potter has shown he can develop young talents into much better players as was the case with Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The Spaniard was signed from Forest Green Rovers before becoming a regular starter in the English top-flight just a year later after a short loan spell with Rochdale.
Petr Cech was Chelsea's last notable world-class goalkeeper with Liverpool and Manchester City showing that a top goalkeeper can make the difference when it comes to winning trophies. Ederson and Alisson are considered two of the best goalkeepers in the world, and the Blues need to find their own star between the sticks if they are to continuously challenge at the top of the Premier League and win trophies.
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