According to a recent report by The Daily Express, Chelsea are planning to make a move for Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-André ter Stegen if he becomes available for a transfer this summer. The same source has also claimed that the Blues are hoping to cash in on Kepa Arrizabalaga with Real Madrid showing interest in recruiting the Spaniard. If the deal goes through, then it could open the door for the West London outfit to sign ter Stegen at the end of this campaign (via The Daily Express).
Ter Stegen’s Spectacular Spell At Catalunya
The 27-year-old is having another solid campaign in between the sticks for the Catalan outfit after putting in a string of eye-catching displays for them in the La Liga so far. He has secured 11 clean sheets and shipped in 34 goals in 34 matches for Barca this term on all fronts. Ter Stegen’s numbers shed some light on how influential he has been for the Spanish champions on the defensive end of the field.
The German custodian has a pass success rate of 85.5% in the Spanish top-flight and is also averaging 0.8 clearances in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). His exceptional contributions have propelled Barca to the top of the La Liga standings despite suffering five losses in 27 league matches so far in this campaign.
The Monchengladbach-born talent has also earned 27 senior caps for the German national team, conceding 25 goals and keeping nine shutouts in the process. Ter Stegen is expected to play a pivotal role for his country when the UEFA Euro 2020 kicks off later this summer. The keeper’s overall impact in the tournament could dictate his pricetag if Quique Setien does decide to part ways with him before the start of the new season.
What Will The German Goalie Add To Lampard’s Team?
Ter Stegen boasts quick reflexes and is also very good with his feet. He can get into some good positions by reading the game well, which allows him to pull off some crucial stops at the back. The ex-Bundesliga keeper is often accurate with his ball-distribution and can make a few vital last-gasp clearances as well. He is right up there with the best goalkeepers in world football which is why Frank Lampard should try everything in his power to lure him to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Will ter Stegen Be A Dream Acquisition For The West London Giants?
Ter Stegen will be a dream signing for the Blues as he is currently at the peak of his playing career. A goalkeeper of the German’s skillset will undeniably help Chelsea bridge the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of English football. He will not only be a safe and reliable pair of hands in goal for Lampard’s side but will also instil a winning mentality into the Chelsea squad.
The Barca shot-stopper also deserves credit for his durability as he hardly misses any games due to injury. What makes Ter Stegen such an exceptional keeper is his remarkable consistency and hunger to keep clean sheets. Therefore, the Barcelona goalie will be a massive coup for the Blues as he could bring an era of success back to Stamford Bridge similar to how Alisson Becker has done at Liverpool over the past two years.
