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Football London
Football London
Sport
Josh Holland

Why Graham Potter and Chelsea can save millions on key position in summer transfer window

Chelsea are very likely to continue the overhaul of the playing squad at Stamford Bridge this summer. Todd Boehly splashed nearly £300million in the January transfer window after spending over £250m in the summer after his takeover of the club.

Enzo Fernandez, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile were all added to Graham Potter's squad in an attempt to rescue the Blues' 2022/23 campaign. The club are currently ninth in the Premier League table, 10 points behind the UEFA Champions League places.

Plans are already in place to continue the changes on the pitch for next season, with a new goalkeeper and striker the main transfer priorities. Red Bull Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku is expected to bolster the attacking options in west London but a new No. 1 has also been tipped to arrive.

READ MORE: Chelsea set for Manchester United goalkeeper transfer battle amid Kepa Arrizabalaga decision

Current shot-stoppers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have both struggled to firmly lock down a place in between the sticks. Earlier this campaign, Mendy was favoured under Thomas Tuchel but Kepa's resurgence came about after Potter's arrival.

Since the return of domestic football following the Qatar World Cup, Kepa has kept four clean sheets in seven league games - including three in the previous three games. However, despite the Spaniard's fine form in SW6, reports of a new goalkeeper arriving in the summer have begun to gain momentum, with Porto's Diogo Costa linked with a move.

According to 90min, Chelsea scouts have visited Portugal to watch the 23-year-old in action. This season, he has kept 13 clean sheets in 25 games, including three in the Champions League.

With Manchester United and Tottenham also considering a move due to their own situation in the goalkeeping department, Chelsea may have to ponder a move elsewhere or entrust either Kepa or Mendy. And whilst his performances at the club have been impressive, Kepa's statistics put him in good stead to continue as Potter's first choice stopper.

In the Premier League this season, the 28-year-old has the highest save percentage with 83.3%. Considering Chelsea's position in the league table, the statistic is rather impressive. Should Potter fail to secure a top four finish, it's expected major reinforcements will be added and sticking with Kepa will allow for Boehly's funds to be spent elsewhere.

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