Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is eager to steer his team back to winning form when they face Tottenham Hotspur early in April.
The Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in their last match before the international break. This setback means the West London team has only managed to secure victory in four of their most recent 13 Premier League fixtures.
This inconsistent run has resulted in Maresca’s squad dropping from fourth to second place in the Premier League standings. The Italian coach is determined to see a significant improvement in his team’s performance in the remaining weeks of the season to ensure they secure a coveted Champions League qualification spot for the next season.
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Chelsea could be seeking to strengthen Maresca’s squad. Reports suggest they have identified a Serie A talent as a potential target.
According to reports from CaughtOffside, both Chelsea and their rivals Manchester City are closely monitoring the situation of Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
The 25-year-old Serbian international has demonstrated impressive form for Roma this season, achieving 14 clean sheets in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Robert Sanchez has faced criticism for his performances in goal this season.
Chelsea Eye Roma’s Mile Svilar to Bolster Goalkeeping Options
His standout performances for the Italian side have not gone unnoticed. Chelsea are joined by Manchester City and Newcastle United in expressing interest and monitoring the promising young goalkeeper.
Svilar made the move to Roma from Portuguese club Benfica in 2022. Since joining Roma, he has accumulated 76 appearances, establishing himself as a key player for the team.
The Serbian international’s current contract with Roma is set to expire in 2027. However, reports indicate that Svilar has declined Roma’s initial attempts to negotiate a contract extension, potentially opening the door for a summer transfer.
Chelsea’s Goalkeeper Woes and Potential Transfer Strategy
Chelsea’s current goalkeeping situation has come under scrutiny. Number one Robert Sanchez has been the subject of considerable criticism due to some unconvincing displays this season. Furthermore, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was initially ahead of Sanchez, has also struggled to consistently impress between the posts.
Let’s break down Chelsea’s current goalkeeping dilemma:
- Robert Sanchez: Signed as the first-choice goalkeeper, Sanchez’s performances have been inconsistent, leading to questions about his long-term suitability as Chelsea’s number one.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga: While experienced, Arrizabalaga hasn’t fully convinced and there’s a perception that Chelsea may seek a more commanding presence in goal.
This potential instability in the goalkeeping department appears to have prompted Chelsea’s recruitment team to actively search for a new shot-stopper. Mile Svilar has emerged as a primary target, especially considering his contract situation at Roma could make him a more attainable signing in the upcoming transfer window.
Mile Svilar’s Key Attributes:
- Age: 25 years old – representing a long-term investment potential.
- Clean Sheets: 14 clean sheets in 42 games this season demonstrate his shot-stopping ability.
- Contract Situation: Contract until 2027 but reportedly hesitant to extend, making a transfer more feasible.
- Interested Clubs: Attracting interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle United highlights his growing reputation.
Chelsea’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper signals a potential shift in their squad strategy. Securing a young, talented goalkeeper like Svilar could be a wise move to solidify their defensive line for the seasons to come.
Could Mile Svilar be the answer to Chelsea’s goalkeeping questions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!