Kepa’s Chelsea career looks all-but over as boss Frank Lampard has already begun to seek alternatives with ter Stegen top of the list if they are able to prise him from Barcelona
Chelsea have reportedly been in contact with Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen over the possibility of a switch to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are on the lookout for a new no.1 with Frank Lampard ready to replace the unconvincing Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.
Barcelona have underperformed this season but ter Stegen is considered one of the world’s top stoppers.
He finished second in FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper award 2019, behind Liverpool’s Alisson, whom Chelsea tried to sign before Kepa’s arrival.
Ter Stegen is under contract at the Nou Camp until 2022 and is currently in line for discussions over a new deal.
However, the 28-year-old has been told he must accept a wage cut given the current circumstances, which has left him pondering the possibility of a move elsewhere.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said: “He understands what is happening in society and he knows that with the decrease in income at clubs like Barca, he will have to adjust his salary.
“All the players are doing it and we are working on that.”
When quizzed on whether he was prepared to fall in line with such proposals though, ter Stegen replied to reporters: “We will see.”
Spanish radio station Cadena Ser report that ter Stegen has been approached by both Chelsea and Bayern Munich about a potential transfer.
He is still expected to commit his future to Barcelona, but in light of the recent problems at the club, Chelsea are hoping to muscle in on a deal to take him to London. Continue reading