Chelsea have begun looking for loan options for goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who is considered surplus to requirements following the signing of Filip Jorgensen.
The 24-year-old Serbian was effectively Chelsea’s number one last season, having made 31 appearances in his debut season and joining from New England Revolution for £12.5 million.
But the new coach Enzo Maresca has signed a goalkeeper with different characteristics.
Both Fiorentina and Strasbourg (the latter belongs to the same ownership group as Chelsea, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital) are interested in a loan from Petrovic.
However, the situation is further complicated by Petrovic’s confusion over his development plan at Stamford Bridge and his reluctance to drop back to a lower level or become a backup option elsewhere.
Internally, Strasbourg have highlighted Petrovic as their perfect option for the number one position on a season-long loan.
They are ready to sign a third and final loan player from Chelsea, the maximum allowed by FIFA rules. Midfielder Andrey Santos has already been loaned out again from Chelsea, and Caleb Wiley’s loan deal to the Alsatian club is expected to be announced tomorrow.
However, Strasbourg have also been considering Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, knowing that Petrovic could opt to sit out the second year of his six-year contract at Stamford Bridge until a bigger club comes into consideration.
Robert Sanchez and Jorgensen, who was signed for £20.7million, will compete for the goalkeeping spot at Stamford Bridge this season, with Marcus Bettinelli serving as a backup.
Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga, still the most expensive goalkeeper in the world following his £71 million transfer in 2018, is also considered surplus to requirements and is in the final year of his contract.
