Transfer News: Chelsea looking to sign 17-year-old Charlton Athletic goalkeeper James Beadle
According to The Sun (h/t Football. London), Chelsea are seemingly interested in signing teenage goalkeeper James Beadle from League One side Charlton Athletic.
James Beadle has shown great potential with the Addicks and it is believed that the Blues could be swooping in to get the player to help build a strong base for the future. Edouard Mendy has had a great spell at Stanford Bridge ever since he made the swoop from Stade Rennais F.C for £22m.
The 29-year-old Senegalese international has become an integral part of this Chelsea squad and has put in brilliant performances time and again to save the West London club. He was an instrumental part in the Blues winning the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup last season.
It is believed that the League One club would want a sum of at least £400k with add ons for their budding player. The teenager could be a great long-term investment into the club as Thomas Tuchel continues to bamboozle teams with his attacking threat combined with a solid foundation at the back.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been reduced to the second choice keeper throughout the majority of the season but a packed schedule and the Africa Cup of Nations could mean that the Spaniard should get the opportunity to prove himself in goal again. There is a looming uncertainty around his career as it is believed that Juventus FC could be eyeing a move for the 27-year-old Spanish keeper.
This could prompt the Blues to reconsider a potential replacement and at 17, Beadle could be a viable option for the foreseeable future. A switch to the West London club could be a big step up for the Charlton Athletic U-18 keeper in terms of his football career. The Blues would have to nurture and develop his talent and integrate him into the club dynamics very carefully.
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That being said any move for the teenage keeper is only speculatory at this point. Mendy has proven to be a dependable asset at the time being for Tuchel but the addition of a young goalie could go a long way to create a stable future for the defensive development of the club.