Chelsea have reportedly made an initial offer of around €20 million (£16.8m) for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Recent reports indicated a shift in Chelsea’s transfer strategy under Enzo Maresca, prioritizing a goalkeeper comfortable in possession with strong passing abilities. While Maresca is satisfied to start with Robert Sanchez, backup Djordje Petrovic lacks these qualities and is likely to depart Stamford Bridge after just one season.
Maresca has identified Jorgensen as his preferred choice to challenge Sanchez for the starting goalkeeper position. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have now made their first bid for Jorgensen, who is reportedly eager to join the club and was on Maresca’s shortlist.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
The 22-year-old Dane emerged as Villarreal’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, registering six clean sheets and conceding 64 goals in 37 appearances. Despite his potential and five years remaining on his contract, it remains uncertain if Villarreal will accept Chelsea’s offer, which falls short of his £38 million release clause.
Chelsea has considered other options but ruled out moves for Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Burnley’s James Trafford. Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Brazil’s Bento have also been linked.
Sanchez, signed from Brighton for £25 million last summer, faced challenges proving himself as Chelsea’s long-term first-choice goalkeeper. He conceded 30 goals in 21 appearances during his debut season, with injuries sidelining him since the turn of the year and leading to Petrovic taking his place.
Maresca has already been active in the transfer market, investing approximately £74 million in players such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu, and Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.