Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after Donyell Malen of Borussia Dortmund scores. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
According to Evening Standard, Chelsea have Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel among the goalkeepers who could replace the departing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Following the ACL injury to Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid have been in the market to sign a new keeper. They are now close to acquiring the services of Kepa on a season-long loan deal with no option to buy.
Chelsea have only recently signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton and Hove Albion. That signing intended to give Kepa some competition for his place in the team. Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke about how the latter is ahead of the former because of the training he has had in the pre-season.
That plan has to change now with the 28-year-old leaving. It would also mean Sanchez taking over the number one duty until he gets competition from a new goalkeeper the club signs in this summer window.
Among the options Chelsea have, Dortmund’s Kobel is one of them. Valencia gloveman Giorgi Mamardashvili is also on the list.
Kobel started his career as a youth player in Switzerland before making a move to Germany in 2014. The 25-year-old made his senior debut for Hoffenheim in 2016. He arrived at Dortmund in 2021 and has been their regular keeper.
The Swiss international kept 15 clean sheets in 35 games in all competitions last season. His contract with the German club lasts until the summer of 2026 (Transfermarkt).
In terms of attributes, Kobel is an excellent shot-stopper who is just about decent when asked to play out from the back. If we can compare him with Sanchez, the latter is probably more suited to a playing system that requires a goalkeeper to be almost like an outfield player in possession.
Let’s see where Chelsea go with this. It is not an ideal situation with only 18 days left in the transfer window. They have to get the midfield sorted as well.
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