In a bid to find a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer, Chelsea FC have set their sights on Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope. The English shot-stopper has been in outstanding form over the course of the 2019-20 Premier League season. And it seems that the Blues manager Frank Lampard could be forced to shell out £50 million to sign Pope ahead of next season.
With Kepa having benched by Lampard for the Blues’ recent fixtures, it was a clear indication of the Spanish international’s future having come to an abrupt end at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year old goalkeeper is reportedly on his way out of the West London outfit this summer, which has made the Chelsea FC boss desperate to dip in the transfer market to find a new number one for his side.
Pope played all of Burnley’s fixtures this season in the Premier League, appearing in 38 games over the course of the Clarets’ league campaign. With 15 clean sheets, the English international was a close second in the race for the Golden Glove. Manchester City shot-stopper Ederson ended up winning the coveted award following the season’s conclusion.
However, regardless of personal laurels, the 28-year old goalkeeper has been a standout performer throughout the past year. His goalkeeping antics against Liverpool for his side in a 1-1 draw at Anfield were widely praised. Making eight saves during the game, Pope kept his side in the fray to snatch a draw from their visit to the Merseyside club.
According to reports, Pope is desirous of securing a move to a major Premier League side this summer. He wants to rival Everton’s Jordan Pickford for the first-choice goalkeeping spot in the England national team. Having already earned two caps for Gareth Southgate’s side, Pope wants to establish himself as the undisputed England number one.
The 28-year old’s current deal with Burnley runs for another three years. As a result, luring the English international away from Turf Moor won’t be cheap for Chelsea FC. Recent reports suggest that the Blues have been quoted a price-tag of £50million for Pope’s services.
