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Chelsea eyeing third Everton star as Todd Boehly looks to capitalise on takeover chaos
Chelsea are expected to splash the cash on a rebuild at the end of the season.
Chelsea have reportedly registered an interest in Jordan Pickford as they look to pounce on Everton's potential takeover chaos. The Blues are looking to sign another goalkeeper this summer and have already shortlisted several options alongside the England number one.
Chelsea splashed the cash on two goalkeepers last summer, Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez. However, neither have made a significant impact since their arrivals.
The latter has already been tipped to leave the Stamford Bridge outfit just 12 months after his arrival from Brighton, with Petrovic likely to be pushed down the pecking order and forced to play second fiddle to a marquee shot-stopper.
AC Milan’s Mike Maignan and Porto star Diogo Costa are among those to have been linked with Chelsea previously, though it has now emerged that they are now assessing options who have already proven themselves in the Premier League.
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According to talkSPORT, Chelsea have Pickford ‘on their radar’ heading into the summer transfer window and are considering the England international as a potential new No. 1.
Everton could be forced to sell Pickford at the end of the season if their proposed takeover falls through. Doubts have been raised about whether prospective new owners 777 Partners will pass the Premier League’s owners' and directors' test, which would therefore force a significant fire sale.
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Chelsea are aware of the Toffees’ situation and will continue to monitor the ongoings at Goodison Park, and it could allow them to sign up to three players from Sean Dyche’s side. The Blues are one of several sides to have been linked with talented defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer as part of their defensive rebuild, following his sensational breakthrough at Everton.
Manchester United are also interested in the talented 21-year-old and he has been earmarked as one of their top defensive targets under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Branthwaite’s price tag is likely to decrease markedly if Everton’s takeover collapses, though the sheer number of suitors could spark a bidding war.
Chelsea have also been linked with Amadou Onana previously, along with Arsenal, and the interest in the Belgium international could be reignited at the end of the season if the worst-case scenario unfolds for Everton. The 22-year-old also has admirers at Old Trafford and elsewhere in Europe.