According to Sam Wallace of the Telegraph, Chelsea are interested in making former Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli their third-choice goalkeeper. The news that the Blues are seeking a third-choice makes perfect sense considering the timing of AFCON in the forthcoming season.
Taking place in the middle of the campaign, the Africa Cup of Nations will include several Premier League stars from a number of clubs, and that includes Chelsea with Edouard Mendy likely taking part with Senegal. This will leave Kepa Arrizabalaga to fill in with no third choice in place.
That’s where Bettinelli could come in, however. The Blues will need a backup to Arrizabalaga; a cheap alternative who will be a ‘break glass in case of emergency’ option. And the former Fulham man ticks that box.
Chelsea Interested in Marcus Bettinelli
Currently Without a Club
Since leaving Fulham at the end of last season, Bettinelli has been without a club. Usually, in that scenario, players move down a league in logical fashion. If they’re not good enough for their current club then surely they’re not good enough for those above? Think again. In the case of Bettinelli, if Chelsea pursue a deal, he’ll be going from relegated Fulham to the European champions. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Thomas Tuchel needs a third-choice and that proposed choice needs a club, making a deal suitable for both parties. At 29, Bettinelli will likely be content with a place in the reserves, especially at such a top club. He is past his prime with no need for first-team action.
The ex-Fulham man won’t expect to receive a substantial amount of game time, if any at all, should he makes the move and, at Chelsea, he may not see that as a deciding factor against a potential move.
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