Bournemouth are closing in on the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, according to a report.
The Serbia international is set to leave the Blues after two tumultuous years. Initially signed to be a No.2, Petrovic usurped Robert Sanchez’s No.1 role during his first season at Chelsea.
However, the arrival of Enzo Maresca completely changed the situation, and the Italian reinstated Sanchez. Petrovic was told that he is not good enough in possession and sent on loan to sister club Strasbourg.
While the goalkeeper position continued to be a problem at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old showed in France that he has the ability to be one of Europe’s most reliable shot-stoppers.
Petrovic was named Strasbourg’s Player of the Season, and Chelsea were ready to give him a second chance to prove himself in pre-season. However, the goalkeeper has decided to seek a new challenge.
Petrovic set for Bournemouth
Petrovic requested to be omitted from Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad to allow him to focus on finding a new club, and according to the Evening Standard, there is now ‘confidence on all sides’ that his next move will go through.
Bournemouth recently opened talks to sign the Serb, and the Cherries are now believed to be on the verge of striking a deal. Chelsea have an agreement with Petrovic that they will sell him if they receive a €30 million offer.
Petrovic is keen on making the move to Bournemouth, where he will, incidentally, replace former Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard spent the past season on loan at the Vitality Stadium and recently completed a permanent move to Arsenal.
Talks between Bournemouth, Chelsea and Petrovic are described as ‘advanced,’ and it is expected that the goalkeeper will complete his move to the South Coast imminently.
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