Chelsea are set for a busy summer as Enzo Maresca looks to hit the ground running following his appointment as Blues manager.
Chelsea endured another difficult season which ended with them claiming a Europa Conference League spot.
This is the second year in a row that the Blues have finished outside the top four, and they’ll be desperate to get back into the fold next year.
The Blues have several areas in the squad they could do with strengthening, such as up front, centre-back and left-back.
And while a new goalkeeper may not be the highest priority, speculation is now doing the rounds linking Chelsea with a stopper who made headlines a few weeks ago.
According to transfer insider Dean Jones, there are “a few whispers” suggesting the Blues have set their sights on Manchester City ace Stefan Ortega.
What has Dean Jones said about Chelsea and Stefan Ortega?
Jones, writing on GiveMeSport, spoke about Ortega’s contract situation at Man City, as well as his apparent desire to be a regular for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Citizens are reportedly looking to offer the 31-year-old a new contract that could ‘bump up his weekly wage from £70,000 to £90,000′, according to the Daily Star.
However, Jones reckons Ortega is likely to have suitors circling in wake of his crucial league-winning displays towards the end of last season.
“New contract talks do not surprise me at all – especially at a time when there is speculation over Ederson leaving,” wrote Jones.
“Ortega thinks he is good enough to be their number one and is willing to back himself in that sense.
“I think a few clubs will have an eye on his situation right now to see how conversations go around a new contract.
“There are even a few whispers he could be on Chelsea’s list as they consider targets who already have some Premier League experience.”
Chelsea target Stefan Ortega earns big praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola
Ortega replaced Ederson during City’s penultimate Premier League game of the season, against Tottenham Hotspur, and pulled off some crucial saves.
One save in particular, against Spurs captain Son-Heung min, was especially high-class, and led to widespread praise from pundits and peers.
Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that Ortega won City the title with his efforts against Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Guardiola told the Daily Mail: “One on one he’s one of the best goalkeepers I’ve seen in my life.
“He’s so reliable. An incredible decision by our goalkeeping coach (Xabi Mancisidor) to bring him.”