Chelsea are set to splash even more money on young talent as they weigh up making a £20m move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, according to reports.
The Blues are amongst a number of top European clubs looking to recruit a new shot-stopper, with Trafford a likely mover after Burnley were relegated to the Championship.
Trafford suffered a difficult first season playing in the Premier League after joining in a £19m transfer from Man City last year after his penalty heroics helped England’s Under-21s win the European Championship.
He was later dropped by Vincent Kompany – who is set to takeover at Bayern Munich – during the end-of-season run-in.
But Trafford coul leave the Clarets after just one season with Trafford viewed by Chelsea as their long-term goalkeeper, as reported by the Sun.
The belief at Stamford Bridge is that the 21-year-old will eventually be able to cope with the demands of the Premier League, despite conceding 62 goals in 28 appearances this season.
Chelsea have spent over £1billion on new recruits since Todd Boehly’s joint takeover in 2022 and are keen to continue with their trend of investing in young players that they hope will become future stars.
The Blues only splashed out on a new goalkeeper in the form of Robert Sanchez less than 12 months ago and handed the Spaniard a seven-year contract.
He was viewed as the permanent successor to Kepa Arrizabalaga who is currently on a season-long loan at Real Madrid and will return to London in the summer, but the club are keen to secure his permanent exit.
However, Sanchez has struggled to match the potential that Chelsea expected and Djordje Petrovic was also given significant game-time during the second-half of the club’s Premier League campaign.
Trafford could jump ahead of both goalkeepers but also has admirers at Newcastle as well, with Eddie Howe another manager that is keen to find a new No.1.
Chelsea are believed to be favourites for the Burnley star’s signature, but need to find a new manager first after they terminated Mauricio Pochettino’s contract after just one season.
