Chelsea Could ANNOUNCE £10m EPL Star As First Summer Signing

Back in 2010, Chelsea wanted to sign Asmir Begović from Stoke City as an understudy to Petr Cech, but Stoke turned down the bid. In protest, he refused to play a League Cup match against Shrewsbury Town, a decision the then team’s Coach, Pulis termed disrespectful.

Five years afterwards, Chelsea are bidding for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, this time as an understudy again, but to another first-choice goalie, Thibaut Courtois. Petr Cech is on his way out of the Stamford Bridge, in search of first team action elsewhere after he lost his starting berth to the 22 year-old Courtois. With his imminent departure, Chelsea is in search of a second-choice goalkeeper, and once again, Begovic comes up in the list.

The 27 year-old shotstopper is ready to leave Stoke city at the end of the season. He is available at 8 million pounds after having lost his starting berth to Jack Butland. Roma are offering him first team action if he chooses the Serie A team, but Chelsea are offering a big pay rise, cup competition appearances and early round features in the continental game. It isn’t sure yet if he will choose Chelsea since he still desires first team action at such age. Of all the other second-choice keeper options lined up for target, he is the most suitable. With 100 Premier League appearances and a home-grown privilege after years in the EPL, the club has nothing to worry about in terms of expertise and foreign players quota.

Having established himself as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the EPL, it is unlikely that he wants a second-place berth with Chelsea. Roma although have Cech on their wish list, but with him keen on staying in England, Asmir Begović remains their other target. He wants to play in the Champions League, and Serie A second-placed Roma promises that also. Stoke manager Mark Hughes says of the keeper,

“Asmir wants to play every game, but I explained the reasons behind my decision. I’m very fortunate to have three excellent goalkeepers. It wasn’t a big decision. It was one of those where I felt it was the right thing to do “