It is reported that RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is being tracked and closely viewed by Chelsea as they wish to sign him in January. Apparently, a scout was sent to read the keeper’s game and analyze his performance against Bayern Munich. Arsenal too, are interested in him and are searching for a replacement for Petr Cech, who is already 35 and only has 18 months left in his contract.
Gulacsi started his career at MTK Budapest and then moved to Liverpool on loan, where he had a treble-winning season with the reserves. He was then purchased permanently by Liverpool but failed to make a single appearance for the Reds.
The shot-stopper was loaned out to Hereford United, Tranmere Rovers and Hull City during this period. Unfortunately, he still couldn’t quite make an impact as he featured in not more than 20 appearances for any of the clubs, his highest being 19 for the Super White Army in the course of two seasons.
He was then bought by Red Bull Salzburg where he stamped his authority with regular starts. This caught the eye of the current German giants, RB Leipzig, for whom he has shone quite brightly. Last season, he helped the German side qualify for the Champions League.
The Hungarian can fly across to make saves on any given occasion. He has excellent distribution and completes over 9 and 6 long balls per game in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League respectively on an average. The 27-year-old is first-rate with his decision making and collection. He knows quite well, how to organize or set up a defensive line. Right now, he is at the top of German magazine Kicker’s Bundesliga rankings for goalkeepers.
It is not necessary for Chelsea to buy Gulacsi as they have one of the best keepers in the world, Courtois in their ranks. Since last season, Courtois has had many games where he doesn’t really have to play a major part.
The Belgian keeper therefore, need not be rested too much in spite of various competitions Chelsea are a part of. As a backup, they do have the experienced Willy Caballero who still isn’t the worst player to play an FA Cup or League cup game.
On his day, Gulasci can make some sharp, exquisite and remarkable saves. Chelsea should rather try to sign a left-back as there is no real replacement for Alonso or focus on young center backs in their youth system or development squad.
