Chelsea FC are set to conclude a €33 million deal for Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir in the coming days. The 24 year old shot-stopper currently plays for Süper Lig club Trabzonspor as their first-choice goalkeeper. Cakir has also been capped twice by the Turkish national team, with the player making his international debut last year.
The Blues have been known to be the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer. The reigning Chelsea FC number one Kepa Arrizabalaga has endured a largely inefficient season for the Premier League side. The Spaniard has been prone to a number of errors in recent games.
It is believed that Chelsea FC boss Frank Lampard has made his mind up on replacing Kepa as the Blues’ custodian between the sticks. The 25-year old’s form has been inconsistent throughout the current season. Lampard had even chosen to bench the Spanish international earlier this year, with the Blues coach opting to start 38-year old veteran Willy Cabellero instead.
However, Cakir’s signing may seem a bit surprising to the Chelsea FC supporters. With the club having been rampant in the transfer window, the fans were expecting a high-profile signing to be the Blues’ new goalkeeper.
Names like Jan Oblak and André Onana had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks. Oblak’s pursuit might have cost Chelsea FC a hefty fee considering the Slovenian international is one of the best a the moment in his position. However, with great financial backing from Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich, Lampard could have signed the Atletico Madrid star.
Cakir has made more than 50 competitive appearances for Trabzonspor during his six-year stay at the club. The 24 year old has been in fantastic form this season for his side in the Süper Lig. The Turkish international’s performances have helped Trabzonspor clinch a second-place finish in the final league standings.
With Kepa’s replacement rumoured to be on the way, the Spaniard is set to depart the Blues. La Liga clubs Valencia and Sevilla have been linked with making a move for the 25-year old this summer.
