Chelsea ‘held discreet meeting’ for Gregor Kobel before Dortmund clash
Chelsea manager Graham Potter reviews the Leicester win
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Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly reportedly held a discreet transfer meeting before this month’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. Gregor Kobel is thought to have been the topic of discussion, with the Swiss goalkeeper earning new admirers around the continent amid a top season in the Bundesliga.
The pressure was on manager Graham Potter ahead of Dortmund’s visit to Stamford Bridge on March 7. Chelsea were carrying a one-goal deficit after losing the first leg and a confidence boost was much needed after a string of poor results.
With the crucial game closing in, Boehly still supposedly found time to look ahead to the summer with a transfer meeting for Kobel. According to German outlet Sport1, talks were held between Chelsea and Dortmund before the clash in London.
The Blues are reportedly ‘very interested’ in the 25-year-old as they look to strengthen their options between the sticks ahead of next season. They went on to win the second leg 2-0, booking their spot in the last eight of the Champions League.
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Edouard Mendy recently lost his place to Kepa Arrizabalaga at Stamford Bridge, and despite the Spaniard’s encouraging performances, there is still a feeling that Chelsea could go to another level with a top-class performer in goal.
Kobel is held to be one of the finest stoppers in the Bundesliga, and at 25 years old, he still has room to improve. The domineering 6ft 4in figure has spent his whole career in Germany, becoming a Dortmund regular at the start of last season.
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His impressive showings have also led to caps for the Swiss national team, where he faces stiff competition from the experienced Yann Sommer. Manchester United are also reported to be interested in Kobel as Erik ten Hag mulls a goalkeeper conundrum of his own.
David de Gea is out of contract at the end of the season, and although United have the option to extend his deal for another year, there are no signs that they plan to do so. The veteran has been criticised for a lack of composure in possession compared to other top keepers in the Premier League.
Kobel is under contract until 2026 with BVB, so it remains to be seen whether Chelsea or United will be willing to pay through the nose for the chance to sign him at the end of the season.
The Blues have been on an unprecedented spending spree since Boehly and Clearlake Capital took charge, which may impact their plans in future transfer windows if Financial Fair Play restrictions make life difficult.
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