Chelsea gaining momentum in pursuit of £51m-rated Bundesliga goalkeeper | OneFootball

Chelsea are "gaining momentum" in their latest efforts to recruit a new number one goalkeeper from the Bundesliga, according to a report in Germany.

The Blues have lacked consistency in goal for several years, arguably since Thibaut Courtois left the club in 2018, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy each proving short-term.

Robert Sanchez hasn't been particularly convincing since his £25m arrival in 2023, sharing duties last season with Djordje Petrovic and this season with Filip Jorgensen.

Petrovic and Kepa are both set to return to Stamford Bridge from loans at Strasbourg and Bournemouth respectively in a matter of weeks, while Gabriel Slonina remains on the books and Mike Penders is already due to arrive from Genk.

Summer offers could come in for Petrovic and Kepa, but there are no guarantees, and Chelsea are inundated with goalkeepers, and still in the market for another.

Robert Sanchez hasn't done enough to nail down Chelsea's No1. spot / Vince Mignott/MB Media/GettyImages

According to Bild, Chelsea are in close contact with representatives for Borussia Dortmund stopper Gregor Kobel, and a "poker game" begins. The Switzerland international is thought to be happy at Dortmund, but is equally ready for the “next step” in his career.

The "potential transfer fee" is revealed to be €60m (£51m), which would be a sizeable outlay for a goalkeeper – the third highest in history behind only Alisson (£67m) and Kepa (£72m).

German reporter Christian Falk has claimed the fee is that high because Dortmund don't wish to sell Kobel, who has a contract until 2028, and are confident of convincing him to stay.

Whether Dortmund manage to qualify for next season's Champions League or not will be crucial. Kobel is keen to play in the competition, having reached last year's final, while the lack of the financial boost from failing to qualify could force Dortmund to listen to offers for players.

As it stands, Dortmund trail fourth-place Freiburg in the Bundesliga table by a single point with two games to play. They are also the form side in the division after winning five of their last six outings.