Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte ‘close to shock signing of former Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero’
Reports in Argentina suggest the No1, who is available on a free transfer, could be joining the Premier League champions
CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte is reportedly close to signing former Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero.
The ex-City stopper, 33, is available on a free transfer after his contract at the Etihad expired at the end of the season.
An Argentine journalist has now claimed that despite interest from Boca Juniors, Chelsea are leading the race to sign Caballero.
Conte knows he urgently needs goalkeeping reinforcements after back-up stopper Asmir Begovic was allowed to join Bournemouth earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, No1 choice between the sticks Thibaut Courtois is still being chased by La Liga giants Real Madrid, with the Italian boss knowing he needs to act quickly to boost his goalkeeping ranks.
But Conte faces competition from Newcastle for the free agent who are eager to add more Premier League experience this summer.
The move could potentially embarrass Pep Guardiola after changing his keeper backfired dramatically last season.
Caballero forced his way ahead of Claudio Bravo after the Chile keeper was drafted in from Barcelona to replace Joe Hart but struggled mightily.
Conte was impressed with Cab's displays as he stepped in and helped secure a third-placed finish.
Paris Saint-Germain star Alphonse Areola is also on the Blues’ radar.
The 24-year-old started 15 games for PSG last season but was eventually fazed out by German ace Kevin Trapp.
Portuguese veteran Eduardo has penned a new one-year extension but remains Chelsea’s third-choice keeper and a new man will be brought in by the end of the summer.