Chelsea target one-time Premier League winner as Kepa’s replacement

Chelsea are eyeing move Kasper Schmeichel as Kepa Arrizabalaga’s alternative

Chelsea are targeting former Leicester City and OGC Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as Kepa Arrizabalaga’s replacement, who has completed a loan move to Real Madrid.

According to the Guardian, (h/t Metro), The Blues need another No. 1 goalie to compete with Robert Sanchez and have identified the Danish custodian as Kepa’s replacement.

The former Spanish goalkeeper has completed his loan move to Real Madrid after current goalie Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury and is set to miss the majority of the season.

The Blues currently have Robert Sanchez as their first-team goalie but will need another option who can compete with him for the entirety of the season. Schmeichel has already plied his trade in the Premier League, as he went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup with Leicester City, where he spent the majority of his career.

The 36-year-old is with Nice, but the club is open to offloading him after the Denmark international endured a patchy season there. Schmeichel will come here as a backup goalkeeper, considering his age and apparent decline in France.

The former Foxes custodian will bring a great deal of experience, given that he spent a decade playing in the Premier League. He will be a decent short-term replacement for Kepa.

It is realistic to assume that he will only be a temporary stand-in for Sanchez this season. We can rely on Schmeichel if Sanchez is not available because his speed and agility may have decreased but the knowledge to compose the backline, position between the sticks and safety with the ball in his hands are things he wouldn’t have forgotten.

Nothing is currently guaranteed, even if we decide to pursue him, as the Blues evaluate their options. The Danish custodian is a decent temporary solution, but if we want to find a long-term successor for Kepa, we need to hunt for a high-quality option.

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Much will also depend on Sanchez’s first season. If he stakes his claim to be our undisputed No. 1, then we won’t really have to worry about the goalkeeper situation here.