Chelsea have reportedly added Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s name to the list of potential replacements for Kepa Arrizabalaga in the summer.
Express have mentioned in their exclusive report of Chelsea’s insistence to prepare for life without Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 2020-21 season. But, to the surprise of many, the report states that the Blues are looking to target Barcelona stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Kepa Arrizabalaga hasn’t had the best of times and is ranked as one of the worst performing goalkeepers in Europe at present. Still, there are rumours that Real Madrid will try to prise him away from Chelsea in the summer, something the Blues are likely to allow and are thus, scouring for ideal replacements.
Chelsea have been linked with players closer to home, with the latest name being Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson, who is having a stellar season at Sheffield United. But, the idea of bringing in Marc-Andre ter Stegen at Stamford Bridge does sound intriguing and perhaps, a bit bold.
ter Stegen has undoubtedly been one of the best goalkeepers in the last few years in world football. The German international is not only vying with Manuel Neuer to be the first-choice for the National Team, but has also won 14 trophies with Barcelona so far.
Although, the 27-year-old is currently having and is on course to record his worst league season since becoming the first-choice at the club, with just 8 clean sheets in 26 games, having conceded more than a goal a game for the first time in his Barcelona career.
Still, the La Liga giants are unlikely to let ter Stegen leave without a fight. But, part of the reason the Barcelona goalkeeper is being touted as a realistic target is because of the reports of a fallout with Lionel Messi, with ter Stegen currently weighing his options and best possible move in the summer.
Any move for ter Stegen will cost an awful lot and even then it might not suffice if Chelsea fail to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season. Chelsea will also have to take a hit on Kepa’s net cost, with Real Madrid or any other suitor unlikely to pay the €80 million that the Blues paid to bring the Spaniard in from Athletic Bilbao.
Chelsea managing to convince ter Stegen to leave Barcelona for them will be nothing short of a coup. But, given the current circumstances, ter Stegen is more likely to choose another European giant over Chelsea, if he ends up leaving Barcelona at all in the summer.
