Chelsea youngster Nathan Baxter could reportedly be promoted to the first team as the Blues have been hitting a brick wall in pursuit of a new goalkeeper.
The Blues have been linked with a number of goalkeepers this summer following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s underwhelming displays last season.
One name reportedly in Chelsea’s shortlist is Rennes’ Edouard Mendy with a recent report from the Mirror said they will step up their attempts to land the Senegal international.
However, Frank Lampard might have already had a back-up plan in case they fail to bring in a new number one.
The Telegraph claimed there has been no breakthrough in negotiations between Chelsea and Rennes over Mendy and young shot-stopper Baxter could join the first team at the start of the season.
However, the report added that Baxter who also has loan interest from EFL clubs would become the third-choice behind Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero which means we should not expect significant improvement in Chelsea’s problematic goalkeeping department.
Despite having made major recruitments, particularly attackers, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher argued that to catch up with Liverpool and Manchester City, Lampard needs a new figure between the sticks.
“Chelsea will go no further unless they change the goalkeeper,” he told Sky Sports.
“I know they keep buying a lot of attackers but you see how many goals they have conceded. I think a lot of that is down to the goalkeeper if I am being totally honest.
“It is an area that – if they want to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City – they will have to rectify in the summer.”
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