TCC View: Chelsea could have another Courtois situation if they sign Donnarumma

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Chelsea may find themselves walking down a road they’ve previously trodden on if they were to make a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

AC Milan’s talented goalkeeper is out of contract in June, with no real indication that he will sign a new deal.

This of course piqued Chelsea’s interest, as is their obsession with buying the biggest, brightest and best names in world football.

Eurosport reported that the Blues had been monitoring Donnarumma’s situation with Milan for some time, as they start to shape up their summer transfer plans.

Purchasing a new striker and centre-back seem like the top priority.

However, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy may see it as a wasted opportunity if they didn’t snatch up Milan’s 22-year-old ‘keeper on a free for next season.

But signing Donnarumma would certainly leave Chelsea in a sticky situation.

Firstly, they would have to try offload on of the three senior goalies from the club.

Edouard Mendy is definitely staying put.

This means it would be a straight toss-up between Willy Caballero and Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the latter tipped to be the unfortunate fall guy.

Offloading Kepa won’t be easy.

His performances have left a lot for possible suitors to be desired.

As will the Spaniards current wage bill at Chelsea, which stands at £150,000-a-week (Spotrac).

If the Blues fail to relieve Kepa but also make a space for Donnarumma, they would then have to decide who will be the No.1.

Mendy has done very little wrong since arriving from Rennes last October and should feel rightly wounded if he was replaced by a younger, shinier model.

Donnarumma’s demands to be first choice places Thomas Tuchel in an uncomfortable position.

A possible solution could be to go down the Thibaut Courtois route.

The towering Belgium joined Chelsea from Genk in 2011 as a highly rated, up and coming ‘keeper.

At that time, Petr Cech was still at the peak of his powers, so Courtois was instantly sent on loan to Atletico Madrid.

He thrived in Spain and after three successful seasons, returned to London to take over the reins from Cech.

Although Donnarumma might not like the idea of being immediately released, it could be in the best interest of all parties.

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