Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation has come under the spotlight in recent weeks, with Robert Sánchez facing increasing scrutiny over his performances. A series of high-profile errors have raised concerns within the club, prompting the management to assess their options between the posts.
While head coach Enzo Maresca has publicly backed Sánchez, there is a growing consensus that a more reliable alternative may be needed—one who aligns with Chelsea’s tactical and technical requirements.
According to reports from The Independent, Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has emerged as a potential target for the Blues.
The Swiss international is highly regarded for his shot-stopping ability and exceptional distribution, making him an ideal candidate for Maresca’s system. However, securing his signature will be far from straightforward.
Dortmund have no intention of allowing their No. 1 goalkeeper to leave mid-season, especially as they remain in contention in the Champions League.
The Bundesliga side has advanced to the play-off round, where they will face either Sporting CP or Club Brugge in their quest for a spot in the last 16. Given their aspirations in Europe, a January transfer for Kobel appears highly unlikely unless Chelsea presents an offer too tempting to ignore.
Chelsea are not the only Premier League club monitoring Kobel’s situation. Manchester United have also been long-time admirers of the 26-year-old, with concerns persisting over André Onana’s consistency since his arrival from Inter Milan.
However, United’s immediate transfer priorities lie in strengthening other key areas of the squad, which could reduce their urgency in pursuing a new goalkeeper.
For Chelsea, the challenge remains not just in convincing Dortmund to sell but also in ensuring they make the right long-term decision for their goalkeeping department.
The club has already secured the signing of promising Belgian talent Mike Penders from Genk, who is set to join Stamford Bridge in the summer. While Penders represents a future investment, Chelsea may still seek a more experienced option to provide immediate stability in goal.