The reigning European Champions are likely to complete their first signing of this transfer window very soon, as West Ham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is all set to join the Blues on a free transfer.
Chelsea are currently in the hunt for a third-choice goalkeeper, after they decided not to renew Argentine custodian Willy Cabarello’s contract. With Bettinelli available for free after his contract with Fulham expired, the Blues are willing to conclude their hunt, according to reports in The Guardian.
Bettinelli joined the West London side when he was 19 years old. After a few successful loan deals, the 29-year-old became the first-choice keeper in the 2014/15 season, and since then, has played 120 matches for the Cottagers.
The chances have come few and far between for him in the last three seasons. After spending two consecutive seasons mostly on the bench, he was loaned to Middlesbrough last season.
Jamie Cumming completes loan move to Gillingham
With Bettinelli likely to put pen to paper in the next two days, Chelsea have loaned their academy product Cumming to the League One side Gillingham. Once touted as Caballero’s replacement for the third goal-keeper role, the club seemingly have decided against that in favour of first-team football.
“Jamie (Cumming) is an exceptional goalkeeper and last season was exceptional in League 2. He comes with no promises of game time, he will need to earn the right because Aaron Chapman has made a very impressive start,”
Gillingham manager Steve Evans said about the new signing, as per quotes in their official website.
“Jamie is very highly regarded at Chelsea and we are delighted they see Gillingham Football Club as a route for the lad to develop further,”
the Scottish further added.
