Chelsea urged to make 'no risk' £35m signing to fix Enzo Maresca problem
Robert Sanchez has faced criticism in the Chelsea goal and there could be a ready-made replacement at Anfield.
Chelsea have been urged to pursue the signing of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in what would be a 'no risk' move next summer, according to Premier League legend Darren Bent.
The Sun reported this week that the London outfit were looking at a 'summer raid' on rivals Liverpool to bring Kelleher to Stamford Bridge from Anfield. The 25-year-old has impressed between the sticks for Liverpool this season as he has had to step in for the injured Alisson Becker.
Still young for a goalkeeper, top flight clubs have had their heads turned by Kelleher's performances. The player could become third-choice at Liverpool next season once Giorgi Mamardashvili completes an agreed transfer from Valencia.
Kelleher is known not to be happy sitting on the bench and that could force Liverpool to cash in on the star, even if they are claimed to be reluctant to strengthen a Chelsea side that could be fellow title contenders. The goalkeeper almost left Anfield this summer with Nottingham Forest one of the clubs linked with a move at the time.
Liverpool slap £35m price tag on goalkeeper
It is believed that Liverpool could green light a move if the £35 million valuation placed on the Republic of Ireland international is met. Kelleher is a product of the Liverpool youth academy and is currently under contract until 2026.
Chelsea are set to be rivalled by Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli for any deal but Bent has advised the club to make the transfer a priority as Robert Sanchez continues to face criticism for his consistency in goal under Enzo Maresca.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the ex Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur forward said: “Kelleher is now a very good goalkeeper.
“He’s 25, it’s time now, let’s get going now. I think there’s an opportunity there. I’m not convinced on [Robert] Sanchez, if I’m honest. He makes some unbelievable saves, but him (Kelleher) going in there at £35m, that’s not even a risk.”
Kelleher labelled as ‘top quality’ by Shay Given
Bent isn't the only former professional who has praised Kelleher in recent weeks. Former Ireland international and Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has also tipped the Chelsea-linked man to achieve big things.
Given said: "Caoimhin played 26 games last season and in that time he showed that he has the talent to be a no. 1 in the Premier League. But he turns 26 later this month and, if I am brutally honest, he needs to get away from Liverpool if he wants that to happen.
“I look at him and think this guy’s the real deal. He proved last season over a long period of time that he is top quality. I’m sure there’s a number of Premier League clubs who are looking at him. He is ripe, fully cooked, and ready to flourish.”