Transfer News: Chelsea set to sign Marcus Bettinelli on two-year deal
According to transfer news from The Telegraph [subscription required], Chelsea have agreed a two-year contract with former Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. The Englishman is set to join up imminently with the Blues.
Bettinelli came through the youth ranks at Fulham. The goalkeeper spent time away on loan at Dartford and Accrington Stanley in the early stages of his career, following which he enjoyed an extended run in the first-team with the Cottagers. The 29-year-old went on to feature 120 times for the London club, keeping 31 clean sheets.
However, having fallen out of favour under ex-manager Scott Parker last season, Bettinelli was sent out on loan to Middlesbrough. Following his temporary spell at the Riverside Stadium, the 29-year-old’s contract with Fulham expired and he was not offered an extension, meaning that the Englishman became a free agent.
A homegrown backup goalkeeper on a free transfer meant that there was a lot of interest in his services from a number of Premier League clubs, as per the report. However, it is Chelsea that have beaten their competitors to the punch and will now sign Bettinelli imminently.
Chelsea have their goalkeeping spot locked in currently with Edouard Mendy the undisputed first-choice between the sticks. The world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga acts as a cover for the Senegalese international who arrived only last summer and played a key role in the Blues’ UEFA Champions League triumph.
However, a vacancy had been created for the third-choice goalkeeper after Willy Caballero’s contract and he was not handed a renewal. Bettinelli should, thus, come in to fill the shoes left vacant by the ex-Manchester City custodian.
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After having made a quiet start to the transfer window, Chelsea are now set to complete the first signing of the summer. More, potentially high-profile, incomings are expected, as Thomas Tuchel & co. look to topple City from their perch in England while retaining the European crown.
