Chelsea considering swoop for ex-Fulham goalkeeper as familiar tactic emerges

Chelsea are hunting for a third choice goalkeeper - and could go down a route that has been well-trodden by Premier League sides.

Veteran stopper Willy Caballero has left Stamford Bridge following the expiry of his deal.

That leaves just Kepa Arrizabalaga and Édouard Mendy as senior stoppers on the books of the European champions.

Now, according to a report by The Athletic, Chelsea have identified Marcus Bettinelli as a possible candidate to replace Caballero.

Bettinelli is a free agent having ended his long association with London rivals Fulham this month. The 29-year-old left after 15 years at Craven Cottage, following the side's relegation from the top flight. He spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough.

The report claims both Bettinelli and ex-Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey are being monitored by Thomas Tuchel.

Whilst it may seem a little strange, from the outside looking in, for a top flight team to recruit a player released from the division below, there is plenty of previous - and especially when it comes to goalkeepers.

Only this month Crystal Palace, having allowed Hennessey to leave, handed Remi Matthews a two-year deal.

It left Eagles' fans slightly bemused considering Matthews had just been released by a League One side and only has a handful of appearances in the Championship to his name, never mind Premier League. Similarly, Everton are on the verge of handing Asmir Begovic a deal after his release from Championship side Bournemouth.

But it is a transfer method that has certainly been growing in popularity in recent seasons.

Manchester City raised eyebrows in 2019 when they signed Scott Carson on loan from Championship side Derby County.

They extended the agreement into a second season and Carson left having made just a solitary appearance. But he was lavished with praise by City boss Pep Guardiola who described him as a "leader" of the dressing room.

Other examples of similar arrangements can be found at Manchester United, who signed up Lee Grant from relegated Stoke two years ago, whilst Andy Lonergan famously joined Liverpool in 2019 after leaving Middlesbrough.

Lonergan never made an appearance for the Reds but opened up about the life of a back-up goalkeeper in an interview last July.

"Don't get me wrong, I still miss the buzz from playing. But this is different," he said.

"It's more about accepting what your role is. I train for Liverpool. I haven't played for them.

"I'm part of the squad, here to help the goalkeeping group and play a small part in keeping the outfield players sharp."

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