Chelsea are looking as if they are in for a busy summer transfer window as they plan to back Enzo Maresca well ahead of his second season in charge.
The manager called for a new striker just minutes after the Blues were crowned winners of the Conference League, and seems to have got his wish as they close in on the signing of Liam Delap.
A striker is not the only position they are looking at for reinforcements this summer, with centre-back and left-winger being targeted, however there is one role it looks as if the club are going to resist the temptation to throw money at.
There have been plenty of complaints throughout the season of the two goalkeepers who have been used by the first team at Stamford Bridge. It has to be said though that Robert Sanchez put in some top performances when it came to crunch-time in the Premier League.
Chelsea should be kicking themselves after missing out on ‘world-class’ player
With all the signs pointing to no new additions in the position, this seemingly brought an end to their interest in signing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the shot stopper is set to make the move to another club in West London, with terms being agreed over a deal with Brentford.
The Blues also have the opportunity to utilise one of Mike Penders and Djordje Petrovic after their successful loan spells away from the club.
However, they will be kicking themselves that a deal for Kelleher has slipped through their fingers, especially with the low transfer fee he has moved for.
The goalkeeper has a number of admirers in the game, including his current teammates. Virgil van Dijk described Kelleher as ‘world-class’ to the Liverpool Echo.
Kelleher’s impressive record vs Chelsea
Chelsea fans will know more than most just how good the Republic of Ireland star is, with him boasting an unbeaten record in the four games he has played against the Blues.
His two standout performances both came in EFL Cup finals in 2022 and 2024.
A clean sheet in both games were matched with a number of important saves to deny the Blues a goal, and he wrapped up the 2022 final with the winning penalty before Kepa Arrizabalaga’s terrible miss.
Todd Boehly has made it clear that he is far happier taking opportunities in the transfer market rather than signing big-money names, and they will feel as if they have missed out on one this summer in the form of Kelleher.
