Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel as a potential signing, but they may face stiff competition from Manchester United.
Robert Sanchez’s role as Chelsea’s primary shot-stopper has been questioned in recent weeks due to several costly errors. While manager Enzo Maresca has publicly backed the Spanish goalkeeper, he has not provided assurances about Sanchez’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
If Chelsea decide to move on from Sanchez next season, they have internal options such as Filip Jorgensen—who joined from Villarreal last summer—and Djordje Petrovic, who has impressed during his loan stint at Strasbourg. Additionally, Belgian prospect Mike Penders is set to join the squad next season to increase competition in the goalkeeping department.
However, The Independent reports that Chelsea could instead opt to bolster their goalkeeping ranks by pursuing Dortmund’s Kobel. While a January move appears unlikely, the club is expected to push for a summer deal for the Swiss international, despite him being contracted to the Bundesliga side until 2028.
Chelsea will not have a free path to signing Kobel, as Manchester United have maintained long-standing interest in the 27-year-old and could also make a move. United are reportedly assessing their goalkeeping situation and may look to upgrade on Andre Onana, though financial constraints could impact their summer transfer plans.
Dortmund are believed to value Kobel between €70m-80m (£58m-66m), making a potential transfer a significant investment for either Premier League club.
Since joining Dortmund from Stuttgart in 2021, Kobel has made 143 appearances across all competitions and has twice been named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
Despite speculation about Onana’s future, former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has expressed confidence in the Cameroonian’s abilities. Speaking to Oddspedia, the Dutch legend backed Onana to establish himself at Old Trafford.
“I think it’s quite early to judge, but Andre [Onana] has a fantastic career ahead of him,” Van der Sar said. “He’s gaining more experience, and he possesses all the qualities a goalkeeper needs. I believe he will continue to improve over the next five to six years.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United are closing in on their first signing under new manager Ruben Amorim, as they finalize a deal to bring highly rated wing-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce before the January transfer window closes.
