Chelsea set sights on 29-year-old English star to bolster squad depth

Transfer News: Chelsea interested in Marcus Bettinelli

According to transfer news from The Athletic (h/t Football.london), Chelsea have set their sights on former Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli to bolster their squad this summer.

Bettinelli came through the youth ranks at Fulham and had loan spells away at Dartford and Accrington Stanley in the early stages of his career, following which he enjoyed an extended run in the first-team with the Cottagers, as he went on to make 120 appearances, managing 31 clean sheets in the process.

The 29-year-old, though, was deemed surplus to requirements last season and was sent out on loan to Middlesbrough. Following his loan spell, Bettinelli’s contract with Fulham expired and he was not offered an extension, meaning that the Englishman is currently a free agent.

Marcus Bettinelli is a transfer target for Chelsea
Marcus Bettinelli is a transfer target for Chelsea

And, as per the report, the former Fulham ace has registered on the radars of Chelsea as a potential transfer target in the summer window. The Blues do not have an urgent need for a goalkeeper with Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga being available at manager Thomas Tuchel’s disposal.

However, a slot has opened up for the third-choice goalkeeper following the exit of Willy Caballero. The veteran Argentine was among the players that Chelsea released at the end of the last season upon the expiry of his contract, which has created a vacancy in the squad.

This has led to the Blues eyeing a move for free agent Bettinelli, while former Crystal Palace shot-stopper Wayne Hennessey, who will also be available on a Bosman move, is also being considered. (h/t Football.london)

Wayne Hennessey is a transfer target for Chelsea (imago Images)
Wayne Hennessey is a transfer target for Chelsea (imago Images)

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Hennessey offers more Premier League experience while Bettinelli would be a much younger alternative. Both will be available on free transfers. So, it will be interesting to see who the club decides to sign.