Chelsea are interested in signing Jordan Pickford as their new long-term goalkeeper.
That’s according to 90min, who have reported that the Blues are tracking the Everton man ahead of a potential move next summer.
Chelsea spent over £90 million on Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, but both ‘keepers failed to impress last season and were ultimately moved on this summer.
Kepa joined Real Madrid on loan and Mendy moved to the Saudi Pro League, before the Blues brought in Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic to replace them.
The former has become the London club’s new number one but, despite only turning 26 in November, he reportedly isn’t seen as a long-term addition to their starting line-up.
Pickford, who is four years Sanchez’s senior, is instead seen as one potential player to take on the role in between the sticks at Stamford Bridge.
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The ‘important’ 29-year-old has been one of Everton’s best players in recent years and remains as England’s first choice after numerous brilliant tournaments for the national team.
Pickford only signed a new four-year deal with the Toffees in February, but the report claims that Everton’s current financial issues could force their hand if Chelsea were to make a move to snap him up.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are said to be happy to keep Sanchez and Petrovic as their main two options for the rest of the season and then could consider making a bid for Pickford next summer.
However, the England international isn’t their only target and they are also considering Porto’s Diogo Costa and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Will Jordan Pickford join Everton?
Everton did very well to keep hold of Jordan Pickford considering Manchester United’s long-standing interest, though they could well have lost him if the Red Devils didn’t decide to turn their focus to Andre Onana.
However, another poor campaign in the Premier League could certainly see Pickford consider his options. The shot-stopper will be eager to keep his place in the England squad and won’t want the Toffees’ form to get in his way – while he certainly wouldn’t keep it if he was playing in the Championship.
Pickford would be a huge loss for Everton if he was to join Chelsea, though they would surely make a very decent fee on his departure.