Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has reportedly held a meeting over a potential deal for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Ahead of the two sides’ clash at Stamford Bridge last week, which saw the Blues progress to the Champions League quarter-finals at the Germans’ expense, Boehly met with Kobel’s representative to discuss the possibility of a move to west London.
As German outlet Sport1 reports, talks were held discreetly ahead of the crunch second-leg tie in London. Chelsea are said to be 'very interested' in the Swiss shot-stopper, who has impressed at Signal Iduna Park since joining from Stuttgart for £12.8million in 2021.
The Blues are among a number of upper-end Premier League sides looking to upgrade their goalkeeper department this summer, most notably alongside Manchester United and Tottenham. Boehly, therefore, seems keen to place his side at the front of any prospective queue for the sought-after 25-year-old.
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In fact, the report also claims Erik ten Hag’s side are set to provide competition for Chelsea to acquire the Switzerland international. “Kobel’s performances have aroused desires,’ said Sport1’s chief reporter Patrick Berger.
“Especially at Manchester United and Chelsea. We have now found out that before the Dortmund game in London there was a meeting with a consultant from Kobel’s agency and with people from Chelsea who are very interested.
“Chelsea aren’t really convinced of Kepa [Arrizabalaga] either. Both clubs want someone between the posts who is number one for the next eight, nine or ten years. So there was an exchange in London, it’s part of the business.”
Kobel’s performances in the Bundesliga this campaign have certainly turned heads from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. At a domineering stature of 6ft 4in, he first became a Dortmund regular at the start of last season having played his whole career in Germany.
His impressive displays between the sticks have led to caps with the Swiss national team, despite facing tough competition from the experienced Yann Sommer. Although he played in the first-leg win, Kobel was forced to miss the decisive second-leg against Chelsea on the day of the supposed meeting through injury.
Despite the interest, Berger believes Kobel would like to stay at Dortmund for at least another year. He is under contract with the current Bundesliga runners-up until 2026, which could create another obstacle for Boehly and co. as a substantial transfer fee would likely be required.
Chelsea’s desire for a new goalkeeper comes as neither Kepa nor Edouard Mendy have adequately proven themselves at the highest level.
With United and Spurs looking for long-term replacements for David de Gea and Hugo Lloris respectively, competition for promising ‘keepers could prove fierce this summer. Another candidate comes in the form of Brentford’s David Raya, who Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilcueta has reportedly spoken to regarding a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Similarly, Robert Sanchez at Brighton could also be in high demand and a possible target for Chelsea, after the pair worked together at the Amex. However, like Raya, Sanchez is also said to be a target for Daniel Levy and Spurs.
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