Insider Reveals Chelsea Plotting Shock Move for Barcelona Star in Goalkeeper Shake-Up

Chelsea could make a surprising move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen this summer as they look to strengthen their their goalkeeping options ahead of the 2025/26 season, according to sources at GIVEMESPORT.

Enzo Maresca has rotated between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen during the 2024/25 campaign, but neither has fully convinced as the club’s long-term number one. Maresca has repeatedly referred to Sanchez as his “number one,” yet performances have remained inconsistent, prompting Chelsea to explore other options.

Chelsea were previously in talks to sign AC Milan’s Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup, but those discussions collapsed after the two clubs failed to agree on a fee. Despite that setback, the Blues haven’t given up on the idea of bringing in a more experienced shot-stopper.

That search has now led them to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 33-year-old, once seen as untouchable at Barcelona, could now be available after falling down the pecking order. Barça have signed Espanyol’s Joan Garcia and handed a new contract to former Juventus man Wojciech Szczesny—clear signs that change is happening at the Camp Nou.

Ter Stegen, who earns around £128,000 a week, missed much of last season with a knee injury and could now find himself as the third-choice keeper. Chelsea are watching the situation closely, though they’re not rushing into a decision.

German legend Lothar Matthäus once described Ter Stegen as “world-class,” and his experience and quality could make him the ideal candidate to stabilize Chelsea’s defensive line as Maresca looks to build a solid foundation.

One of the reasons Chelsea aren’t panicking about a deal just yet is because of their strong pool of young goalkeepers. The most promising of the lot is 19-year-old Mike Penders, who returned to the club this summer after a loan spell at Genk.

Penders has impressed during the Club World Cup and is viewed by Chelsea’s top bosses as a future first-team star. However, the club understands that he still needs regular playing time, and a loan move for the upcoming season is the most likely route.

Even if a new experienced goalkeeper like Ter Stegen arrives, Chelsea want to ensure Penders’ long-term future is protected. Club officials are expected to clearly lay out his development plan, ensuring he knows there’s a pathway to the first team.

Chelsea are taking a measured approach. They want to make sure that whichever goalkeeper they sign fits the style Maresca is trying to implement. While publicly downplaying their goalkeeper search, sources say the process is very much alive behind the scenes.