If reports are to be believed, then newly crowned Premier League champions, Chelsea, are weighing up a bid for Manchester City departed Willy Caballero as Antonio Conte continues his search for a backup goalkeeper to his Belgian custodian. Despite not starting as the number one for Pep Guardiola, the Argentine had made a strong finish to Manchester City’s season last term.
Chelsea were fortunate to enjoy a more or less injury free season last term with the Italian boss having all the first-team players at his disposal for a major part of his debut Premier League campaign. Thibaut Courtois did get injured at the end though, but Chelsea had secured the title by then.
Despite starting the season horribly, which saw the Blues conceding as many as nine goals in the first six games, Conte’s revamped structure helped them gain back the composure. They hold the second best defensive record last season only letting in 32 goals.
And the assuring hands of Courtois helped a lot. Following the nightmarish season in 2015, where he missed 18 games early on with a meniscus tear and couldn’t adapt faster after returning and conceding 29 goals in 23 league games as a consequence, the 25-year-old had a confidence boosting display this time. He let in only 28 goals in 36 league games, helping Chelsea see off some of the strongest opponents.
Although 34-year-old Willy Caballero won’t be arriving at Stamford Bridge with the idea of replacing Courtois, his experience could be the ideal replacement for the recently sold Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian international moved to Bournemouth for a modest £10 million this summer looking for first-team chances, leaving a huge void on Chelsea’s bench. And that too at a time when the Blues would be competing on four fronts next term.
More games would surely be a big lure for Caballero if Chelsea comes approaching. The 35-year-old had a more than decent season last season where he conceded 13 goals in 17 league outings. Although he did replace City’s Claudio Bravo in the Champions League, following the Chilean’s horrible displays, it didn’t go quite well for the Argentine.
He was like a fish out of water and ended up conceding 11 goals in five group stage games. While Guardiola’s mindless defensive experimentation is mainly to blame, Caballero should have done much better, and Chelsea would be aware of it.
Reports claim that the goalkeeper refused to extend his contract at Etihad Stadium by a year to leave, and Chelsea are already in talks with his representatives. Him coming to London for free would indicate Chelsea’s heavy investment planning in other positions.
