Chelsea opened their campaign with victory at Craven Cottage, yet the 3-2 win over Fulham exposed a significant weakness between the posts that must be resolved before the transfer market closes.
Despite pouring £350million into new signings during the off-season, the west London club clearly lack a goalkeeper capable of mounting a serious bid for silverware. Robert Sanchez was at fault for both Fulham’s goals, first fumbling Josh King’s strike before deflecting the ball into a dangerous area for Gonzalo Garcia to capitalise on.
Sanchez’s displays have left manager Xabi Alonso facing a dilemma as he targets at minimum a top-four finish, with numerous analysts urging the club to secure an elite custodian before next week’s deadline. Here are seven possibilities worth exploring…
Emi Martinez
The Argentinian is certainly on the market after Aston Villa recruited Japan’s Zion Suzuki as their new first-choice shot-stopper. Martinez came perilously close to moving to Juventus earlier in the summer only for that switch to collapse.
Should he require regular starting opportunities, Martinez must secure a move before the following Tuesday. Chelsea represents a perfectly viable destination. The asking price would not prove prohibitive, and the 32-year-old already knows numerous players at the club.
Gregor Kobel
The Borussia Dortmund number one has attracted interest from Chelsea, having previously been mentioned in connection with the club. The Bundesliga outfit would be hesitant to sanction their star man’s departure at such a late stage, though with two years remaining on his current deal, a substantial offer could prompt a rethink. At 28, he finds himself at an ideal age and is considered by many as the finest goalkeeper in Germany’s top flight.
Diogo Costa
Searching for a reliable shot-stopper comfortable in possession? The Porto and Portugal custodian represents an excellent option. Ranked among Europe’s elite custodians and particularly impressive when saving penalties, Costa would address the Blues’ requirements perfectly.
Marco Carnesecchi
Bergamo has become a fertile hunting ground for English top-flight suitors, and Carnesecchi could be the latest export. The Italy international had been linked with Chelsea earlier in the close season, while Bayern Munich are also believed to be monitoring the situation. A significant outlay would be necessary, though Atalanta have demonstrated willingness to negotiate in the past.
Bart Verbruggen
A catalogue of Brighton players have departed for Stamford Bridge in recent years, so why not test the south coast club’s resolve once more with a bid for the Dutchman?
At just 24, Verbruggen appears destined for great things. While Brighton would demand a considerable fee, given the familiarity between both clubs’ transfer negotiators, nothing should be dismissed.
Ugurcan Cakir
Since crossing from Trabzonspor to Galatasaray, Cakir has justified his status as Turkey’s most expensive goalkeeper. Standing at 6ft 4ins, he possesses an imposing presence that would not be overwhelmed by English football’s physical demands, having performed under the intense glare of Istanbul derbies. However, he would not come cheaply.
Unai Simon
Following his World Cup triumph with Spain, Simon’s already considerable reputation has climbed further, particularly given his continued preference over David Raya for national team duties.
The 27-year-old is yet to sample life at a true European powerhouse, having spent the bulk of his career at Athletic Bilbao. Might the time finally be right for a move? He would undoubtedly strengthen Chelsea’s goalkeeping ranks.