Chelsea 'reach agreement' over Djordje Petrovic loan
- Djordje Petrovic to depart Chelsea on season-long loan
- Goalkeeper to link up with sister side Strasbourg in Ligue 1
- Blues have two international loan spots remaining
By Tom Gott
Chelsea have agreed a deal to loan goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic out to sister side Strasbourg, a report has revealed.
Petrovic impressed during his debut season at Chelsea last year, displacing Robert Sanchez as the starter and making 31 appearances in all competitions, but he has lost his place following the arrival of new manager Enzo Maresca.
Not only has Maresca restored Sanchez to the starting lineup, but he has also overseen the arrival of Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal, forcing Petrovic further down the pecking order.
Strasbourg have been linked with Petrovic all summer but previous reports claimed the Serbia international was not sold on the move, although Fabrizio Romano has revealed he has now been convinced.
Petrovic is said to have agreed a new contract ahead of linking up with the French side on a season-long loan that does not include a purchase clause.
Petrovic will join up with fellow Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Caleb Wiley at Strasbourg, who have four points from their first two Ligue 1 games under new manager Liam Rosenior. Winger Diego Moreira also completed a permanent move to the French side earlier this summer.
The trio take up three of Chelsea's six available international loan spots, with a fourth used up with centre-back Aaron Anselmino at Boca Juniors. Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders does not take up a spot as his move from Genk will only be made official in 2025, as is the case with Estevao and Kendry Paez.
Chelsea are left with space for two more overseas loans as they seek to find new homes for Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, Angelo, Armando Broja, David Datro Fofana and Deivid Washington.
Marc Guiu could also become a late contender for a loan if Chelsea are successful in their push to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.