According to various reports, Bournemouth might wrap up the signing of Asmir Begovic in a few days as Chelsea are ready to free the player as soon as the season ends. The 29-year-old has been Thibaut Courtois’s deputy for the past two seasons and had very limited appearances since his £8m move from Stoke City.
Begovic reportedly had almost sealed a move to Bournemouth in January but the last minute intervention from Antonio Conte foiled the transfer. But this time the Cherries are confident of pulling off a deal and an offer will be made in coming days. Chelsea are ready to push the deal and will make a significant profit from in the process.
Begovic has mainly played second fiddle to Courtois throughout the two seasons and hasn’t had many chances in the top flight. He was mainly Chelsea’s preferred choice in the Cup games. He was frequently used by Mourinho in the last season as Courtois had an injury plagued season. But this time around the Belgian shot-stopper managed to stay fit which decreased the Bosnian international’s playing time.
The Ex Potters keeper has racked up a mere eight appearances in the ongoing season. He was in between the sticks when Manchester United inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Chelsea in the Premier League.
Bournemouth are reportedly chasing a double swap for Begovic and Nathan Ake. The 22-year old defender was sent on loan to the Vitality Stadium at the start of the season but his superb performance in the Cherries backline impressed Conte very much and the Italian called back the defender to Stamford Bridge after triggering a clause in the contract.
Bournemouth are set to finish in the top half of the Premier League if they avoid a defeat against Leicester City in the last match. Eddie Howe has led the team superbly but the Cherries have conceded 66 goals this season which must have been on Howe’s mind and that might lead to this move.
Begovic would be a very good addition as Artur Boruc is 37 and it would be a bit of hard for him to maintain this kind of fitness for another season. Begovic has ample experience in the Premier League and was Stoke’s primary keeper for five seasons.
Chelsea have enough time to find a possible replacement for Begovic and might make a move for Celtic keeper Craig Gordon as they had a bid rejected for him in winter. Begovic will be very happy to leave and it seems Chelse are not going to block his departure this time.
