Chelsea were previously unable to sign La Liga goalkeeper after documentation problems

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Chelsea nearly snapped up one goalkeeper before his eventual move to the Spanish league in 2024.

Right now, Robert Sanchez is Chelsea‘s first-choice shot-stopper, a shot-stopper who has already come in for a bit of criticism this season.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher recently discussed Sanchez, claiming that the Blues have “no chance” of winning the Premier League title with him in goal.

If things had gone differently, though, it looks like Chelsea could have had another man between the sticks.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca reveals what happened in Chelsea’s dressing room after Robert Sanchez’s sending off

Vladyslav Krapyvtsov opens up on failed Chelsea transfer

After being released by SC Dnipro-1’s academy in 2024, Chelsea had a chance to sign Vladyslav Krapyvtsov on a free transfer.

According to the player himself, both the Club World Cup winners and their London rivals Arsenal were interested in his services.

However, Premier League regulations and some documentation issues blocked a move to either club.

Speaking to Ukraine’s Tribuna, the 20-year-old said: “I could have been at Arsenal or Chelsea, but at the last moment there were problems with the documents. These are the nuances of the Premier League regulations.

“Chelsea couldn’t get another additional spot in the application for me. My agent called and told me how it was.”

Krapyvtsov is now at La Liga side Girona, where he has made two starts this season.

At some point, Chelsea may eventually decide to replace Sanchez. Joe Hart does not think Sanchez is consistent enough, and Carragher and others would agree with that sentiment.

But Krapyvtsov is unlikely to be the shot-stopper the club bring to Stamford Bridge.

The goalkeeper Chelsea really want to sign

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan still appears to be the goalkeeper at the top of Chelsea’s shortlist following their interest in him over the summer.

The Chelsea Chronicle understands that Chelsea remain keen on Maignan and could sign him for nothing next year when his contract expires.

However, the Blues could face competition from Bayern Munich for Maignan, who is reportedly being lined up as a potential successor to Manuel Neuer.

Neuer’s existing deal also expires in 2026, while the German turns 40 soon. Ultimately, he could need replacing very shortly, meaning that Chelsea could be about to go head-to-head with Bayern for Maignan’s signature.