Report: Chelsea intensify interest in Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford

Add as preferred source on Google

Football website TuttoMercatoWeb claim that Chelsea have intensified their pursuit of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ahead of the summer window, as they look to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea made Kepa the most expensive goalkeeper in footballing history when they splashed an almighty £71million to lure him to Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao. However, the Spanish stopper has failed to live up to that fee.

This summer, Chelsea are likely to make Kepa somewhat expendable – with Real Madrid linked. Chelsea have identified his replacement in the form of England’s number one goalkeeper Pickford, who is believed to be valued at £43.5million.

Though Pickford does have his critics, as does every England player, he remains one of Everton’s best players and has kept 34 clean sheets in 120 Toffees appearances – despite having a leaky defence in front of him before Carlo Ancelotti took over.

Indeed, the Italian manager is more than a fan of Pickford, defending the former Sunderland stopper after a mistake back in February, as per the Independent: “In my opinion he is the best English goalkeeper. He is a complete goalkeeper.”

TBR’s view – Can Chelsea do better than Pickford?

Pickford is an excellent shot-stopper and has proved more times than not that he is one of the better goalkeepers in European football with the ball at his feet. However, it must be said, that Pickford is more than capable of a mistake.

Honest in the media, Pickford is a confident, proud, defiant player that normally benefits the goalkeeper – but can work against him at times. But with a much better defence in front of him, he would thrive at Chelsea. At £43.5million, he is a bargain.