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Chelsea agree deal for second goalkeeper signing despite just announcing Filip Jorgensen deal

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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HITC understands that Chelsea have struck an agreement to sign a second goalkeeper this summer under Enzo Maresca.

We had previously reported that Chelsea were closing in on signing Filip Jorgensen and the deal for the Danish goalkeeper was confirmed by the club late last night.

The future of Robert Sanchez is unclear and Enzo Maresca was understood to want a new first-choice goalkeeper and decided on Villarreal’s Jorgensen for the role.

Despite completing the signing of the Danish goalkeeper, sources have told HITC that the Blues have struck an agreement for another shot-stopper who is just 18 years of age.

SOCCER CPL DAY16 SK BEVEREN VS JONG GENK
Photo by KRISTOF VAN ACCOM/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

Chelsea strike agreement to sign Genk’s Mike Penders

Sources have confirmed to HITC that Chelsea have agreed terms with Belgian side KRC Genk to sign teenage goalkeeper Mike Penders, who is just 18 years of age.

Chelsea have agreed to pay €20million (£16.8 million) for the 18-year-old – who has agreed personal terms. He is set to remain on loan at Genk next season.

Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation has been a tricky one with HITC reporting back in February that Robert Sanchez could be sold this summer.

This wouldn’t be the first time that the Blues signed a highly-rated Belgian goalkeeper with Thibaut Courtois, who has arguably gone on to become the world’s best goalkeeper at Real Madrid, winning league titles with the Blues before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Penders has established himself as Genk’s new number one after he made 25 appearances in the Challenger Pro League but has started the season in goal during the club’s stint in the Jupiler Pro League, which is the top division in Belgium.

Chelsea’s youthful approach to transfers this summer

Chelsea’s strategy this summer has seemingly been to buy up-and-coming players from across Europe and South America.

Willian Estevao has signed for Chelsea from Palmeiras but will only be able to move to Stamford Bridge next summer when he turns 18.

Chelsea are also close to signing Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors and are now close to signing Penders from the Belgian side.

Penders will not be involved in the first team straightaway but this is the latest deal done by the Blues for a promising teenager.

As mentioned, Jorgensen has already completed his move to Chelsea but Penders could well be battling with the Dane to become number one in the future.