Chelsea close in on Djordje Petrovic deal as £12m bid launched for new goalkeeper

Chelsea are closing in on an £11.8 million move for New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

The 23-year-old is now Chelsea’s main target to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined Real Madrid on loan this week.

Chelsea are confident of completing a deal for the shot-stopper, who is regarded as among the best in the MLS, having set a maximum budget of £20m to complete a deal. Talks are ongoing over the exact payment structure of Petrovic’s transfer.

Robert Sanchez was given the Kepa’s No1 shirt and will likely continue as Mauricio Pochettino’s starting goalkeeper but Chelsea will bring Petrovic in as much-needed competition.

Petrovic is believed to be at the right level to push Sanchez and potentially take his No1 spot if performances slip.

The Blues need a goalkeeper particularly urgently with accomplished third-choice Marcus Bettinelli still out injured and Lucas Bergstrom, who is slated to leave on loan, currently deputising.

Revolution have reportedly rejected bids from Nottingham Forest and Nantes for their goalkeeper already this summer, while Manchester United were credited with an interest in signing Petrovic to be Andre Onana’s deputy.

Petrovic is relatively experienced despite his youth having played over 130 senior matches in Serbia and the United States.