Real Madrid bid for Chelsea target rejected as Thomas Tuchel eyes new goalkeeper

Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper after Real Madrid’s bid for Gabriel Slonina was rejected.

Former club-record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to depart this summer, despite Tuchel helping to revive the career of the Spain international.

Although Edouard Mendy is firmly established as the club’s No.1, Kepa has proved a reliable deputy since the German’s appointment having been deemed surplus to requirements by Frank Lampard.

Kepa made 15 appearances in all competitions last season, but featured only once after he missed the decisive penalty in the Carabao Cup shootout defeat against Liverpool in February.

According to Football.London, Mendy will be rewarded this summer with a new contract given he is one of the lowest paid players in Tuchel’s first team squad.

And while the Senegal international’s status as No.1 isn’t under threat, Chelsea’s back-up options are scarce.

Veteran Willy Caballero was permitted to join Southampton midway through last season and although Nathan Baxter impressed while on loan at Hull City last term, Chelsea are looking to sign another goalkeeper.

The Guardian report that Chelsea remain interested in Slonina who is a USA Under-20 international and last month turned down a call-up from Poland, whom he is also eligible to represent.

In August 2021 he became the youngest starting goalkeeper in MLS history when making his Chicago debut.

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