Chelsea 'nearing agreement' over Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen

Chelsea are reported to be closing in on an agreement to sign Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

It recently emerged that the Blues are on the hunt for a ball-playing shot stopper to fit in Enzo Maresca's new system, with concerns over the suitability of Djordje Petrovic.

Robert Sanchez has been promoted back to Chelsea's starter but Jorgensen was identified as a serious target for Maresca earlier this week, and talks have progressed in the right direction.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea and Villarreal are discussing a fee between £17m and £21m for the 22-year-old, who established himself as one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers in La Liga last season.

Such a price bracket is unlikely to be of any concern to Chelsea, who are leading fellow suitors Marseille in the race for Jorgensen's signature.

With talks for a new goalkeeper ongoing in the background, it was Sanchez who started Chelsea's first pre-season friendly, after which Maresca refused to rule out a move for a replacement.

"What I can say is Robert did very well tonight and did very well since we started," he said after the 2-2 draw with Wrexham. "For sure, the way we want to play, the goalkeeper is very, very important - one of the main positions. And I don't want to talk about players that are not Chelsea players but I am very happy with Robert.

"We'll see, we'll see. In this moment we have four goalkeepers. Petrovic is still with us but injured. We will see with the timing. When the transfer window is open, anything can happen for us and for the rest."

Petrovic is expected to be made available this summer, although whether Chelsea would push for a permanent sale or a loan move remains to be seen.

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