Chelsea’s pursuit of new talent remains a priority despite the extensive investments made by owner Todd Boehly since his takeover in 2022.
The 2023–24 season highlighted weaknesses in the squad, particularly in defense, prompting the club to sign Fulham center-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer.
However, this acquisition is likely not the final defensive reinforcement Chelsea will secure this summer, as new manager Enzo Maresca seeks to fortify the team ahead of the 2024–2025 season.
The goalkeeping position is another area set for investment. Current goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic have struggled to establish themselves as the undisputed starters, prompting Chelsea to look for an upgrade. One standout candidate is Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who caught the eye of Maresca during his tenure at Manchester City.
Despite Burnley’s relegation, Trafford’s performance has made him a prime target for Chelsea, who are reportedly competing with Newcastle United for his signature.
Trafford, a 21-year-old product of Manchester City’s academy, had a challenging first Premier League season, managing only two clean sheets in 28 matches.
Nevertheless, his heroics in helping England win the U21 European Championship last summer, including a crucial penalty save, have bolstered his reputation.
His impressive loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, where he kept 22 clean sheets in 45 league games, also highlights his potential.
Burnley is expected to demand £30 million for Trafford, making him Chelsea’s top goalkeeping target this summer.
This move aligns with Chelsea’s recent strategy of signing promising young players, following the acquisitions of talents like Angelo and David Washington. While Trafford’s statistics from this season may seem harsh, his underlying numbers suggest significant potential.
Despite losing his starting spot to Aro Muric for the final ten games of the season, Trafford posted solid metrics at Burnley.
He averaged 3.8 saves per 90 minutes in the Premier League, a higher figure than Sanchez, and demonstrated considerable skill with the ball at his feet.
His ability to play out from the back, evidenced by an average of 17 more touches per 90 minutes and nearly double the number of completed passes compared to Sanchez, fits well with Maresca’s preferred expansive playing style.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s endorsement of Trafford as a “world-class” talent underscores the young goalkeeper’s potential.
With the modern game increasingly favoring goalkeepers proficient in ball distribution, Trafford’s skills make him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s system.
His superior shot-stopping and distribution abilities could significantly bolster Chelsea’s squad, making him a crucial target for Maresca as the club prepares for the future.
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