Report: Chelsea tracking promising 23-year-old as they look for Robert Sanchez replacement

Chelsea are among the clubs tracking Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as they search for a new keeper according to reports in Italy.

The Blues had the opportunity to sign Mike Maignan in the summer, but weren’t prepared to get close to AC Milan’s valuation.

The club instead opted to stick with their current options of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, much to the disappointment of supporters.

Chelsea also have talented youngster Mike Penders on their books, with the 20-year-old currently impressing on loan at Strasbourg.

Suzuki is attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Despite reports stating they are unlikely to sign another keeper, Chelsea have recently been linked with Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Rumours continue to circulate over a return for Maignan, but Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport have reported Chelsea are amongst the clubs tracking Suzuki.

The report adds AC Milan are also tracking the Japan international as they look for a replacement for Maignan, who’s likely to leave on a free next summer.

Penders will be a key factor as to whether Chelsea look to bring in another goalkeeper, and it’s clear he’s viewed as the club’s long term number one.

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The issue facing Chelsea is when Penders is ready to make the big step up, as this is just his first full season as a number one, and first season in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Chelsea will be monitoring his progress closely, but it’s a decision the club really can’t afford to get wrong, and Penders could almost certainly benefit from another season on loan.