Chelsea have held discussions over a deal for Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel, according to reports in Germany.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper has impressed for the Bundesliga club since joining in a €15m (£12.8m) deal from Stuttgart in 2021.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to be in the market for a new keeper this summer with Edouard Mendy’s future at the club looking uncertain.
The 31-year-old turned down Chelsea’s offer of a new contract earlier this campaign, and reports are now claiming that the club are willing to offload him at the end of the season.
According to Sport1, the Blues are keen on a move for Kobel this summer but they face huge competition from Manchester United for the Switzerland international.
The report also claims that Chelsea held discussions with Kobel’s representative in London before Dortmund’s Champions League defeat at Stamford Bridge.
‘Kobel’s performances have aroused desires,’ said Sport1’s chief reporter Patrick Berger. ‘Especially at Manchester United and Chelsea. We have now found out that before the Dortmund game in London there was a meeting with a consultant from Kobel’s agency and with people from Chelsea who are very interested.
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‘Chelsea aren’t really convinced of Kepa either. Both clubs want someone between the posts who is number one for the next eight, nine or ten years. So there was an exchange in London, it’s part of the business.’
But, Berger believes Kobel wants to remain at Dortmund for at least another season.
‘At the moment he’s not thinking about saying goodbye,’ Berger said.
‘He wants to stay for at least another year. But I would almost say that the topic will pick up speed again next year. There are top eight clubs that go beyond Dortmund in terms of radiance. At some point, Kobel might start to ponder.’
