Chelsea launch first transfer bid for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen with Enzo Maresca keen on £17m move

CHELSEA have launched a £17million offer for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, according to reports.

The Blues have started pre-season with Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic battling it out for the No1 spot.

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Chelsea launched a £17m offer for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, transfer reports say[/caption]

But, despite early reports suggesting new Blues boss Enzo Maresca has been impressed by Sanchez, the club are seemingly still looking for a new recruit.

Swede Jorgensen was the latest name to be linked with the West Londoners, with talks said to be ongoing with the keeper.

And, according to Fabrizio Romano, a first bid has formally been sent to Villarreal for around £17m.

Sanchez was brought in by Mauricio Pochettino from Brighton in a deal worth £30m last summer.

The Spaniard started at No1 in the first half of the season before a loss of form and injury struggles saw Petrovic come into the side.

Sanchez was believed to be in line for a chance to regain his spot, with Maresca a fan of his ability to play out from the back.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is also still on Chelsea’s book and is back with the club after spending last season on loan with Real Madrid.

He was expected to be the European champions’ first choice following the injury to Thibault Courtois, but lost his place as he made just 20 appearances.

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He did get his hands on the Champions League and LaLiga title but has returned to Chelsea for pre-season.

The Blues are working on trying to offload the stopper, who cost a record £71.6m in 2018.

Arrizabalaga has attracted attention from Saudi Arabia but remaining in Europe is said to be the keeper’s preference.