Transfer News: Chelsea target Jiri Pavlenka after Petr Cech recommendation
According to transfer news from German publication Deichstube (h/t The Sun), Chelsea are lining up a summer swoop for Werder Bremen goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka at the behest of club legend Petr Cech.
Pavlenka spent a major portion of his formative years at the academy of Banik Ostrava in his homeland, Czech Republic. Having come through the ranks, he went on to make over 60 first-team appearances before securing a transfer to Slavia Prague in January 2016 where he spent 18 months before signing for Werder Bremen.
Since arriving in Germany, Pavlenka has been a regular fixture in the lineup for Bremen and had been one of the better-performing goalkeepers in the Bundesliga. To date, the 29-year-old has 155 appearances for the German club in which he has 33 clean sheets.
But following their relegation last season, Pavlenka could be on his way out this summer, and Chelsea are interested. The Blues’ interest in the 29-year-old Czech Republic international is being driven by fellow countryman and Chelsea legend Petr Cech, who has a sway with transfer matters at the Bridge .(h/t The Sun)
Chelsea have two quality options in goal in the form of last summer arrival Edouard Mendy and the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in Kepa Arrizabalaga, who seemed to have regained his confidene towards the backend of the last season.
However, with Willy Caballero departing, there is no experienced third-choice left at Thomas Tuchel’s disposal. Furthermore, Kepa himself could be allowed to leave if Chelsea find the right suitor for the Spaniard, thus opening up a spot for someone like Pavlenka to come through.
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Pavlenka, given his age and experience, can be a handy acquisition as a No. 2 should Kepa leave. The 29-year-old is also in the final year of his contract meaning he could be available for a knockdown price as well. Any move, however, is likely to hinge on the club being able to offload Kepa.