Chelsea are said to have shown a 'keen interest' in Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, and are looking to bring him in as a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
23-year-old Cakir has been a key figure for the Süper Lig side this term, making 30 appearances in all competitions so far. As a result of his fine displays, he has caught the attention of numerous European clubs.
During the January transfer window, Cakir was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. In fact, they were said to have made a €15m offer for his services, with the Reds said to be keen on getting the player to Anfield in January, rather than waiting until the end of the season.
Liverpool later saw an improved €24m offer rejected by the shot-stopper's club as they wished to hold onto him until at least the end of the season.
However, Chelsea may have entered the race. Fotospor (via Turkish-Football) report that the west Londoners 'want' Cakir to replace Kepa at the end of the current season, and moreover, they have expressed a 'keen interest' in him. The player is valued at around €30m.
The report further claims that Frank Lampard's former assistant manager Eddie Newton 'recommended' the keeper to his former club, while he has also been 'feeding back information' to the club regarding Cakir.
Newton joined Lampard's coaching staff in July of 2019, but departed to take on the role of assistant manager at Trabzonspor in February.
Chelsea's interest in Cakir comes as a result of Kepa's poor form. The Spaniard joined the Blues in the summer of 2018 for a fee that saw him become the world's most expensive goalkeeper. However, he has made a number of high-profile mistakes, resulting in Lampard dropping him to the bench.
The 25-year-old has not featured in any of his side's last three league games, while he also watched on from the bench as Willy Caballero was selected to start against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie.
Source :
90min
