Chelsea Lead Race for Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel Amid Interest from Premier League Rivals
Reports suggest that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly organized a meeting regarding a potential transfer deal for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Chelsea is currently searching for a new backup goalkeeper to Kepa Arrizabalaga, as Edouard Mendy is expected to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
It appears that Boehly has taken charge of Chelsea’s transfer business once again, with Kobel attracting interest from several Premier Lexague competitors. According to German outlet Sport1, Boehly met with Kobel’s representatives discreetly before Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-final match against Dortmund last week.
The talks hint that a summer move for Kobel could be likely, especially since he has performed well for Dortmund since his £12.8m transfer from Stuttgart in 2021. Despite Chelsea’s interest in Kobel, they are one of several Premier League teams seeking to improve their goalkeeper department, including Manchester United and Tottenham.
It appears that Chelsea is currently the front-runner to acquire Gregor Kobel, who has maintained his position as Borussia Dortmund’s primary goalkeeper this season despite competition from Alexander Meyer.
The 25-year-old has made 65 appearances for Dortmund since transferring from Stuttgart and has helped his team achieve 23 clean sheets, putting him among the Bundesliga’s top-performing keepers. Although Kobel’s contract with Dortmund runs until 2026, an offer of around £25m could persuade the club to let him leave at the end of the season.
With Mendy expected to depart, Kobel could be a valuable addition for Chelsea as they strive to regain their position at the top of the Premier League. Meanwhile, Manchester United may also be in need of a new goalkeeper, with David de Gea getting older, so Kobel could potentially serve as his understudy before eventually taking over.
Tottenham, however, are perhaps the team in most need of a new goalkeeper, as Hugo Lloris is likely to leave the club this summer following an 11-year successful stint. While Jordan Pickford from Everton and David Raya from Brentford have both been linked with Tottenham, Kobel could also be a strong option for the team. It remains to be seen which Premier League team will win the race for Kobel, with Chelsea currently in the lead due to Boehly’s proactive approach.
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