It is hard to predict how Chelsea will approach this summer transfer window after another underwhelming season. Reinforcements are needed all across the pitch. There has been a lot of talk about the club signing a Premier League-proven centre-back. But it might be just as important to bring in a top-class goalkeeper.
Robert Sanchez had raised hopes that he was the solution with his performances in the first few months of the season. Credit where it is due, the Spaniard was superb. He was commanding his box and pulling off some remarkable saves. It also looked like he had cut the errors out of his game.
Unfortunately, Sanchez ended up having a poor game against Arsenal. His confidence appeared to take a hit. And the Spaniard has been struggling for the past few months.
Filip Jorgensen was brought into the starting XI for a little while. But his display against PSG was enough to show that he is not the solution. The Blues need to go out and sign a world-class goalie this summer. A lot of people might be concerned that it will block Mike Penders’ pathway into the first-team. But the club cannot continue to remain suspect at the back in hopes that the 20-year-old will develop into a starter someday.
Chelsea might have chance to sign James Trafford from Manchester City
Over the last few weeks, Chelsea have been linked with Robin Roefs of Southampton and Mile Svilar of AS Roma. Both are quality goalkeepers. But there is a third option that should be considered as well.
James Trafford was expected to be the Man City starter when he arrived. But the club also ended up signing Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian might be the best goalkeeper in the world right now.
As a result, Trafford has found chances hard to come by. He remains a top goalkeeper though. His performances against Liverpool and Arsenal were a timely reminder of that. And this summer, he could be on his way out of Manchester City, opening up a window of opportunity for Chelsea.
What is James Trafford’s stance on leaving Man City this summer?
Manchester Evening News‘ chief City writer Simon Bajkowski was asked about the situation of Trafford during a Q&A session. He wrote in response:
I think it is more about swaying James Trafford rather than swaying the club. City want to keep him, which is why they did not let him go in January when he was open to a move to consolidate his place in the England squad. Trafford has probably done that with his performances against Arsenal and Liverpool, yet those show what he is capable of on a regular basis and if he is doing that weekly then he can be pushing Jordan Pickford as England’s No.1
As it stands, he will get a move and City will lose a top goalkeeper but at least make their money back if not a profit on the sum they paid to Burnley last year. As much as Blues want to keep Trafford, nobody can begrudge him leaving after the way he has behaved and performed this season when things really didn’t turn out how he was expecting.
So, it looks like Trafford is planning to depart Manchester City this summer. And Chelsea should be monitoring the situation.
Chelsea have not had a reliable first-choice goalkeeper since Thibaut Courtois left the club in 2018 for Real Madrid. Signing Trafford might finally fill that gap for the Blues.
