Chelsea announce the signing of Marcus Bettinelli on two-year deal

Chelsea have completed the signing of free agent Marcus Bettinelli after the goalkeeper's deal with Fulham expired earlier this summer.

The 29-year-old graduated from the Cottagers' academy back in 2010 and went on to make 120 appearances for the club in all competitions.

The arrival of Alphonse Areola last summer saw Bettinelli shipped out on loan to Championship side Middlesbrough, and having decided not to renew his deal with the west London club upon his return to Fulham he's now secured a move to neighbours Chelsea.

The Blues wrote on their official website: "Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has today joined Chelsea Football Club. Bettinelli arrives having been out of contract at Fulham, and he will add strength to our goalkeeping resources following the departure of Willy Caballero."

Bettinelli claimed it was a dream of his to move to Chelsea - a dream that looked like becoming a reality a few years ago before a move failed to materialise - and that he's relishing the opportunity to help the team.

"It’s always been a special club," he said. "I know the area very well so it’s been a dream of mine to come over to this side and it’s finally happened. There were some talks a few years ago when I was a bit younger and for whatever reason that didn’t come about but I’m here now.

"I’m really excited to be involved and looking forward to trying to impress and help the team as much as I can."

Despite twice helping Fulham achieve promotion from the Championship, Bettinelli is yet to really be given a crack at life in the Premier League - making just seven top-flight appearances so far.

While the one-cap England Under-21 international will start as back-up to Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga, he'll be hoping to finally get his chance to impress in the Premier League.