Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea bound MLS ace will pen long-term deal at Stamford Bridge

Fabrizio Romano says Djordje Petrovic will sign 7-year contract with an option to extend at Chelsea

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea bound shotstopper and Major League Soccer ace Djordje Petrovic, will ink a seven-year contract with an option to extend for one more year at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues paid a $17.5 million fixed fee plus $2.2 million in add-ons to New England Revolution to sign one of the best goalkeepers in Major League Soccer. While he is far from the best in the world in his position, he has enough experience and could prove to be an inspired addition.

Petrovic is expected to undergo a medical in the next 48 hours, but it remains to be seen if the goalkeeper will instantly join the club, as Chelsea currently have three goalkeepers sent on loan with Kepa Arrizabalaga at Real Madrid, Teddy Sharman-Lowe at Bromley, and Gaga Slonina at K.A.S. Eupen. It will be a surprise should Petrovic follow the same fate as we lack a reliable backup for Robert Sanchez.

The Blues’ only senior option between the sticks is Robert Sanchez, and the West Londoners need another custodian to challenge him for the No. 1 spot.The onus will be on Petrovic to compete with the former Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper as Chelsea look to solve their goalkeeping issues.

The Serbian goalkeeper has been one of the best goalies for the England Revolution since replacing Matt Turner. Once the deal is completed, Petrovic will become the second MLS custodian to join a Premier League club. The 23-year-old finished the last season as MLS Goalkeeper of the Year despite making 22 appearances.

Petrovic’s credentials as a custodian who can make a difference between the sticks are evident from his statistics. It is certainly ridiculous to win the Keeper award after just 21 outings. Although we don’t know how well he plays the ball, we do know that he has exceptional ball-stopping skills, which Chelsea requires because there have been times when the Blues have conceded goals easily.

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The 23-year-old will be playing in a very different league with greater intensity, so we will be hopeful that he carries over his MLS form into the Premier League and fight Sanchez for the top slot.