Reliable Chelsea journalist Ben Jacobs appeared on the London is Blue podcast and was asked about a number of different topics. One such area was the goalkeeping department where he named Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen as the main targets to watch in that position.
Chelsea Interested in Two La Liga Shot Stoppers
Why Chelsea Want A New Goalkeeper
Despite buying both Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic last summer, the Blues are being linked with new goalkeepers. With Enzo Maresca all but officially named as the new manager, there is a mindset that a new archetype could be needed between the sticks.
Read More: Chelsea Youngster in High Demand Following Successful Loan
The idea is, as Jacobs describes during his appearance, the the Blues will need someone who can comfortably play out from the back due to Maresca’s tactics. Despite having decent seasons, both Petrovic and Sanchez had issues with distribution, the former being much safer in possession but being incapable of making medium-long passes with much accuracy.
The New Targets
Both reported targets are currently plying their trade in Spain’s La Liga. Mamardashvili has been impressing for Valencia for some time now, even being dubbed the “best goalkeeper of La Liga” for the 2023/24 campaign. At just 23, he fits right into the youth movement at Chelsea.
Read More: Chelsea Women Appoint Emma Hayes Successor
The other option is coming off a breakout season at Villarreal, Jorgensen came through the team’s development system and spent a few years with their B team before making a handful of appearances for the senior squad from 2021 to 2023.
In the latest campaign, the 22-year-old established himself as one to watch by making 28 La Liga appearances and finished the term with the most saves of anyone in the entire competition.
What may cause questions about these targets is that both appear to have the same shortcomings as Chelsea’s current players. Neither La Liga man is considered a strong distributor of the ball, meaning Maresca would have to coach them up and improve them during the campaign.
