Chelsea eyeing moves for two European stars – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea face hurdles in pursuit of Barcelona goalkeeper

Chelsea’s search for a long-term solution in goal has led them to explore an ambitious move for Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, according to TeamTalk. However, sources indicate there are two significant obstacles to completing a potential deal in January, despite genuine interest from Stamford Bridge.

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Goalkeeping uncertainty at Chelsea

Chelsea’s goalkeeping position remains one of growing debate. Filip Jorgensen started in the Champions League against Ajax, while Robert Sánchez was left on the bench, a decision that underlined the uncertainty surrounding who should be the club’s number one.

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The club’s transfer focus has reportedly shifted toward securing a world-class option to provide greater assurance and leadership from the back. Dean Jones told TeamTalk: “It would not surprise me if Chelsea looked into getting Ter Stegen on loan for the second half of the season. They want to make sure they are well prepared for any big moments and will definitely not want to be caught short in such a key position.”

Financial and competitive barriers

The first obstacle is financial. Ter Stegen’s wages at Barcelona are among the highest for a goalkeeper in Europe, presenting a major hurdle for Chelsea’s wage structure. The second is competitive, with the German international expected to receive multiple offers from top European clubs should he decide to move.

Jones added, “Obviously, he will be swamped with offers, so competing for a spot may not turn out to be something that appeals to him. The wages situation could come into the equation, too.”

Chelsea remain interested in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan as a long-term option, with plans to pursue him next summer when his contract expires. For now, a short-term loan for Ter Stegen remains an ambitious but complicated possibility.

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The pursuit of an elite goalkeeper fits the club’s history of targeting proven winners, yet the financial implications make it a delicate balancing act under current ownership.

Fans may admire the ambition to lure Ter Stegen, a player synonymous with composure and technical brilliance, but many will question the logic of a short-term deal for a player commanding astronomical wages. Chelsea’s long-term rebuild under Enzo Maresca has emphasised sustainability and youth, and a temporary signing could disrupt that trajectory.

The preference for Mike Maignan perhaps makes more sense, aligning with Chelsea’s vision of building a younger, cohesive squad with room to grow. However, for supporters still haunted by inconsistency in goal since Édouard Mendy’s decline in form, the idea of seeing an experienced world-class figure like Ter Stegen between the posts is an enticing one.

Ultimately, Chelsea fans want stability and reliability. Whether that arrives through a big-name signing or a carefully chosen successor, the message is clear: this is a position that demands leadership, not experimentation.