Chelsea speed up plans to sign goalkeeper in January?

During the summer, the Blues were forced to react to Kepa Arrizabalaga making the surprise loan switch to Real Madrid when he was regarded as number one for the 2023-24 campaign.

In response, each of Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic were signed as replacements, the former having started every fixture since being promoted up the pecking order.

However, the Spain international has kept just three clean sheets in 16 Premier League appearances, a further two shutouts coming in the EFL Cup.

With a contract until 2030, the assumption is that Sanchez will be part of the Chelsea first-team squad in the long term, it currently unclear whether Petrovic will ever be given an extended period in the side.

As a result of Sanchez aggravating a knee issue at Everton on Sunday, Petrovic may come into the starting lineup for his full debut against Sheffield United on Saturday.

In the long term, though, it appears that Pochettino and club officials may be contemplating whether either of the pair have the qualities required to be the long-term first choice.

According to Football Insider, plans are in place for Chelsea to assess the market ahead of and during the January window.

While the report mentions no potential targets, the suggestion is that Chelsea's recruitment team are eager to upgrade their options.

Should Chelsea take that approach, they face the prospect of having five candidates for their goalkeeping jersey on their books come the summer.

American youngster Gabriel Slonina is currently earning regular football in Belgium with Eupen and is eventually expected to challenge for a spot in the senior ranks.

Unless Arrizabalaga returns and extends his contract, Chelsea face the difficult task of trying to recoup a suitable fee for a stopper that they paid in excess of £70m for in 2018.

There are also the likes of Marcus Bettinelli and Lucas Bergstrom on the books, increasing the amount of solutions that need to be found for fringe players at a time when the West Londoners are under pressure to boost their position with FFP.