Chelsea 'on brink of Djordje Petrovic signing'

Chelsea have reportedly moved closer to securing the signing of New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

Earlier this summer, head coach Mauricio Pochettino was under the impression that his goalkeeping issues had been resolved with the acquisition of Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, Real Madrid then moved to sign number one Kepa Arrizabalaga on the back of Thibaut Courtois suffering a knee injury that could keep him sidelined all season.

Although Arrizabalaga is only at the Bernabeu on loan, the Spaniard has already expressed his desire to remain at Los Blancos in the long term.

Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, as well as the club's recruitment team, are now in a position where they must deliver competition for Sanchez as soon as possible.

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While a number of potential targets have been mentioned, Petrovic has been a constant name associated with a potential transfer to Stamford Bridge before the end of the current transfer window.

The 23-year-old has been with New England Revolution since last year, contributing a total of 14 clean sheets from his 43 appearances in MLS.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Petrovic will soon be on his way to the Premier League after Chelsea reached a verbal agreement with his current employers.

Romano says that the West Londoners have agreed a €16m (£13.7m) with their New England Revolution counterparts and a transfer is now expected to be finalised.

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Petrovic is due to undergo a medical with Chelsea on Wednesday, and the Blues may look to get the Serbia international registered in time to feature among the replacements against Luton Town on Friday night.

With Marcus Bettinelli injured and Gabriel Slonina having been loaned out to Eupen, Lucas Bergstrom has taken on the role as deputy for Chelsea's opening two Premier League fixtures.

Depending on Bettinelli's recovery time, it is unclear whether Bergstrom will again be loaned out during 2023-24 having represented Peterborough United last season.

Jamie Cumming and Eddie Beach - who featured at MK Dons and Chelmsford City respectively during the last campaign - are also on Chelsea's books.