With Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future seeming uncertain at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC have identified Jordan Pickford as a suitable replacement. Pickford currently plays for fellow Premier League side Everton FC.
Recent reports indicate that Pickford has become the number one candidate for Lampard’s plans to replace Kepa as the Blues shot-stopper. The Chelsea FC goalkeeper is being targeted by Valencia FC for a two-year loan deal in the summer.
It is believed that Frank Lampard is not impressed by Kepa’s performance between the sticks for Chelsea FC. The Spanish international has suffered constant dips in form throughout the 2019-20 season. Lampard has even resorted to replacing the 25-year old with veteran goalkeeper Willy Cabellero on several occasions.
Jordan Pickford has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to become the new Chelsea FC goalkeeper primarily due to his experience of playing in the Premier League. Since signing for Everton FC from Sunderland in 2017, Pickford has made more than 100 top-flight appearances for the Toffees.
The 26-year old Pickford had also dethroned Joe Hart to become England’s first-choice goalkeeper in 2017. The Everton FC player then starred for Gareth Southgate’s side in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, playing an important role in England reaching the semi-finals.
Although Everton FC are reluctant to let Pickford leave the club in the summer, they could be persuaded by Chelsea FC offering an enticing bid for their star player. Frank Lampard has shown no indication of curbing his recent spending spree in the transfer market.
Besides Pickford, Ajax’s André Onana has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. The Cameroonian international is just 24 years old and could be a big part of the Blues future under Lampard.
The Blues manager has emphasized on signing quality players for Chelsea FC to make his side compete for the Premier League title next season. Lampard admitted to the current Blues side being inconsistent in various periods of the current season.
The former Chelsea FC player turned manager added that more signings would have to be made for the Blues to compete with the likes of Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC next season.
