Who is Petrovic? Chelsea copy clever Arsenal transfer plan and uncover MLS gem

Chelsea are in the market for a new goalkeeper before the summer transfer window slams shut, and Mauricio Pochettino has taken a leaf out of Mikel Arteta's book

Djordje Petrovic is the latest player to emerge on Chelsea's radar this summer. Following the arrivals of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, the Blues have now spent over £850million since Todd Boehly took over in May 2022.

However, with just over a week left until the transfer window slams shut, Chelsea have shown no sign of slowing down and they're said to be in the market for a new goalkeeper. The west London outfit signed Robert Sanchez at the start of the month to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga for a place in the starting lineup.

But, now that the Spaniard has joined Real Madrid on loan, Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to replenish his options between the sticks. So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at Petrovic and why Chelsea are keen to wrap up a deal...

Who is Petrovic?

Petrovic, who sees his contract at the Gillette Stadium expire in 2025, has featured 27 times for New England in the MLS this season, keeping seven clean sheets. His impressive performances have guided his side into second place in the Eastern Conference ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, Atlanta United, Toronto, New York City and the New York Red Bulls.

The 23-year-old also has two caps for Serbia, with one coming against the Dominican Republic in 2021 and his second versus the United States in late January this year. Chelsea have recently launched a data-driven recruitment system, so Petrovic appears to be the right profile for Pochettino's style of play.

How much will he cost?

According to Transfermarkt, Petrovic is valued at just €3.5million (£3m). However, The Athletic claim that Chelsea are working on a deal in the region of $15m (£11.8m).

Who is interested?

According to The Athletic, Chelsea have opened talks with Petrovic, but nothing is agreed yet. The report states that New England are hopeful of raking in around $15m (£11.8m) for the Serbian.

If the Blues sign Petrovic for the reported fee then it would set a new transfer record for an MLS goalkeeper. New England also sold Matt Turner to Arsenal last year, before eventually joining Nottingham Forest this year.

What has been said?

"We are thinking and exploring all of the situations and possibilities on the market. The club is assessing all the options. At the moment, we are exploring all of the options that are on the market and there is still no decision."

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