Sam Johnstone to Chelsea: What do we know so far? Is a transfer likely to happen?

West Bromwich Albion may be forced to wave goodbye to one of their key players this summer as Sam Johnstone has been linked with a host of clubs during the 2021/22 campaign.

The latest team to who are reportedly keeping an eye on the goalkeeper’s situation at The Hawthorns is Chelsea.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, the Premier League outfit are considering making a move for Johnstone following the conclusion of the current term.

The England international has made 29 appearances for West Brom in the Championship this season and is likely to retain his place in the club’s starting eleven for their showdown with Hull City on Saturday.

Ahead of this fixture, we have decided to take a look at what we know about Chelsea’s interest in Johnstone and assess whether a transfer is likely to happen.

What do we know so far?

According to Phillips, Chelsea will be aiming to draft in Johnstone if they are able to find a suitor for Kepa Arrizabalaga when the transfer window opens in the summer.

The Spain international has been limited to just four Premier League appearances this season due to the presence of Edouard Mendy and missed the decisive spot-kick in his side’s League Cup final clash with Liverpool last weekend.

Despite the fact that they are likely to take a significant loss on Kepa due to the fact that they bought him for £71.6m in 2018, Chelsea are still willing to part ways with the former Athletic Bilbao man who is understood to be keen on sealing an exit from Stamford Bridge.

Is a transfer likely to happen?

Although a move to Chelsea will be tempting for Johnstone, he is likely to be an understudy to Mendy if he completes this particular switch.

With England set to participate in the World Cup in Qatar later this