- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Chelsea have opened talks with Villarreal over a deal for Filip Jorgensen.
The Blues have had the 22-year-old goalkeeper on their radar for a long time and they have now decided to pursue his signature.
Chelsea‘s pursuit of Jorgensen appeared to suffer a blow when he signed a new five-year deal with Villarreal in June.
However, Chelsea are still willing to explore a deal and have now begun negotiations with the La Liga side.
HITC can reveal that new boss Enzo Maresca asked the club chiefs at Stamford Bridge to bring him a new goalkeeper after assessing his current squad in pre-season.
The Londoners currently have Robert Sanchez and Dorde Petrovic as contenders for the starting spot but Maresca remains unconvinced.
Chelsea had already compiled reports on Jorgensen last season and therefore decided that he is their best option this summer.
Chelsea open talks for new goalkeeper
The Blues are big admirers of Jorgensen and want to get a deal over the line this summer as per Maresca’s request.
Jorgensen’s new contract at Villarreal is understood to include a new release clause.
Premier League rivals Newcastle United also shared an interest in Jorgensen as they eye up a new goalkeeper signing.
The Tyneside club submitted a £16m bid for James Trafford earlier this summer after the Burnley shot-stopper became their top goalkeeper target.
READ MORE: ‘Rules are twisted’… Club chairman reacts as Chelsea banish Trevoh Chalobah from pre-season squad
Chelsea have also been monitoring the situation of Andriy Lunin at Real Madrid, with the Ukranian opening up on his future in Spain.
The Blues are still hopeful that they can offload Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after he fell out of favour in London.
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