Transfer Rumors: Chelsea Adds Barcelona Goalkeeper To Wish List

Chelsea F.C. continues to skim the market for available goalkeepers with Frank Lampard disappointed with his current shot-stoppers. Kepa Arrizabalaga has failed to live up to expectations and the latest name to be associated with Stamford Bridge is Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona.

Ter Stegen's current deal does not run out until 2022. But with most clubs trying to lock up key players, the German goalkeeper has yet to receive a contract extension. Ter Stegen has aired his wish to stay in Spain because his family has already settled in. However, a good offer from clubs like Chelsea could be worth considering.

Also, it would be best to note that Chelsea is not the only club after Ter Stegen. Bayern Munich is also interested in the services of the German shot-stopper as a long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer, Cadena Ser reported. Looking further, there are also other major European clubs keeping tabs with his situation in Barca.

In the end, it may all boil down to a question of loyalty or money for ter Stegen. Though he remains clueless about his future, pundits feel he prefers to stay with Barca. With the financial impact brought in by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 28-year-old knows the hardships that the Catalan giants are facing. He is open to lowering his demands for as long as he feels that he is considered important.

That seems to be the case for club president Josep Maria Bartomeu who said via Mundo Portivo that keeping ter Stegen remains a priority.

"For me, Marc-André ter Stegen’s. Not only for his quality as a goalkeeper but his personality as a player, his way of being and relating. To be a goalkeeper, he is very young and already in the elite. And at 28 he is one of the three best in the world," Bartomeu said.

Regardless, Chelsea is still expected to try and make a run for ter Stegen. But before that, they need to figure out their financial budget. First off is how to deal with Kepa. The possibility of him being picked up by other teams will be hard due to his hefty deal. He could be loaned out instead, seen as the feasible way for the Blues to recoup some of the investment they made on the 25-year-old Spanish player.