Chelsea plot surprise move for 29-year-old La Liga star with Mendy set for AFCON duty

Transfer News: Chelsea eye January deal for Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen

According to transfer news on Fichajes (h/t football.london), Chelsea are plotting a deal to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Barcelona in January.

The Blues have found success with Edouard Mendy, as the Senegalese has been brilliant since his arrival last summer. However, he is likely to depart at the end of December or early January to represent his country at the African Cup of Nations. 

The West London club are, thus, eyeing a move for Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German international has not been up to the mark this season but Thomas Tuchel believes his fellow countryman is an upgrade on Kepa Arrizabalaga. 

However, a deal for the 29-year-old is thought to be hard as Barcelona are keen on retaining his services. 

Realistic move?

The former Borussia Monchengladbach man joined the Blaugrana club in 2014. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best keepers in La Liga, if not across Europe. He also signed a contract extension last year, committing his future to the club until 2025.

Thus, it will take some doing to lure him to England. Chelsea are right in looking for reinforcements in the goalkeeping department since Kepa rarely has an assured look about him, while he is also being targeted by Lazio over a potential deal, as per Goal last month (h/t The Sun).

Moreover, Mendy has also looked shaky in recent weeks. The Senegalese international needs competition in his role to maintain consistency week-in and week-out. The Blues could also have a say in negotiations regarding an agreeable fee as they would not be unaware of the Catalan club’s ongoing financial crisis.

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Regardless, that is a long shot since they are apparently eager to keep the German at the club. This is peculiar news, to begin with. ter Stegen has seen incredible highs with the German national team and Barcelona in the past 7 or 8 years.

At 29, it’s not like he is in the twilight years of his career. Say if we do sign him, then what would be the situation when Mendy returns from AFCON? It would be harsh to overlook him because he has been a big part of our recent success. In such a case, does ter Stegen play as his backup? Then there is also Kepa to consider in this equation. It remains to be seen what comes of this news in the coming weeks.