Enzo Maresca demands Chelsea prioritise ‘footwork’ in new goalkeeper search as Brighton man named key target

After unsuccessful stints for Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino in the hotseat, Enzo Maresca was determined the candidate to take the project into the future.

Chelsea have done what they can to build a squad that suits the Italian’s needs, and this has seen players who were previously starters depart this season.

Djordje Petrovic was the number one for the majority of the prior campaign, however has been featuring on loan for sister club Strasbourg .

There were fears from the club that Petrovic didn’t suit Maresca’s style, and this has seen them persist with a combination of Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez.

Neither option has impressed at Stamford Bridge this season though, with the Dane the current number one.

Jorgensen was criticised heavily for a high-profile error against Aston Villa, and even a clean sheet didn’t get all fans on board against Southampton.

Those in attendance at Stamford bridge were loudly jeering Jorgensen for taking too long in possession, with displeasure clear amongst supporters.

Despite Maresca publicly backing Sanchez, there is no obvious path for him to return to the starting side, and the boss is already looking ahead to next season’s plans.

Graeme Bailey has told The Chelsea Chronicle that Maresca is demanding a goalkeeper comes in who can be comfortable with the ball at his feet, with Brighton man Bart Verbruggen being mentioned as a key target.

He said: “The Brighton goalkeeper fits everything that Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wants – he is insistent that a new GK needs to play from the back.

“Chelsea’s head of goalkeeping Ben Robert  is tasked with looking at the best options, and we understand Verbruggen is emerging as someone of interest. He is enjoying a very good season and he is hugely competent with his footwork.”

Bart Verbruggen’s record this season

Chelsea fans may not have been too impressed by one of their most recent viewings of Verbruggen, with him scoring an own goal in the FA Cup tie between the two teams.

However, the Dutchman’s ability with the ball at his feet is an area where he excels, having a very promising campaign at the Amex.

Supporters may be wary of any further dealings with Brighton after a plethora of deals have not gone their way. Apart from Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo, few additions both on and off the pitch have been positive.