Chelsea interested in Leicester City keeper Kasper Schmeichel
According to The Times, Chelsea are interested in Leicester City star Kasper Schmeichel.
The Blues are keen to bring in a new goalkeeper following the difficulties faced by current number one Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spaniard’s erratic form has seen Frank Lampard drop him in favour of reserve custodian Willy Caballero. In fact, the Argentine was preferred for some of Chelsea’s biggest games towards the end of the campaign.
A new number one is among those on Lampard’s summer shopping list. According to the report, Chelsea will battle United for the Leicester City number one.
It goes on to add that Schmeichel is open to the idea of joining a side that can offer him Champions League football. Leicester looked set for a top-four finish only for them to fall away after the restart.
Having finished fifth, it gives Chelsea a boost in their pursuit of the player. Schmeichel has emerged as one of the best keepers in the league at Leicester. Although 33, he is an athletic player capable of turning up at the big moments.
Another advantage Chelsea have is the goalkeeping conundrum at United. David de Gea is the current number one but has seen his position called into question after a string of high-profile errors.
With Dean Henderson also returning after an impressive loan spell, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a decision to make.
Although Henderson is seen as the long-term replacement for De Gea, the Red Devils are looking at an experienced option to cover for him at least for the 2020/21 campaign. This has seen them get linked with a move for Schmeichel. (h/t Daily Star)
More so, his father Peter Schmeichel is a former United skipper and club legend. The opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps and play for United is something that appeals to him.
Chelsea can however offer him a starting position. He will find opportunities easier to come by at Stamford Bridge than at Old Trafford.
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However, according to the report, Leicester will only permit the Dane to leave if they receive an offer they are satisfied with.
Schmeichel is an excellent keeper who is a proven match-winner. However, given his advanced age, he is unlikely to become a long-term option.
Chelsea are better off identifying a player who can form the bedrock of the defence for years to come.