Chelsea surprisingly lead the race to sign Liverpool and Real Madrid target

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 27: Alisson of Brazil looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Brazil at Spartak Stadium on June 27, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 27: Alisson of Brazil looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Brazil at Spartak Stadium on June 27, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Chelsea have emerged as a shock suitor for in demand goalkeeper.

Rebuilding for next season, under what looks to be a new manager, Chelsea aren’t slacking in the transfer department. Their window started off slow in comparison to others, but they were never going to sit around.

The Blues finished fifth in the Premier League last season, although they showed promise when they picked up the FA Cup. They are no strangers to bouncing back from poor seasons, so their league rivals best watch out.

When you think of Chelsea targets though, you would think of strikers. They have been linked with Dries Mertens, but nothing has moved forward.

This is why it came as a shock to see Chelsea are ‘close to signing’ Alisson of Roma, according to Metro. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Liverpool, but now Chelsea looks like it will be his destination.

What does Alisson bring to Chelsea?

Alisson brings a wealth of inexperience, which is by no means a bad thing. He is hungry to achieve, and potentially working under Maurizio Sarri he will do just that.

Although, he does represent his country, it’s important to remember that. He currently beats Ederson in the pecking order for Brazil.

His willingness to learn will bring the best out of him, and it may put him above some of the top goalkeepers in the league.

What does this mean for Thibaut Courtois?

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Chelsea already have an excellent goalkeeping option in Thibaut Courtois, which is why this news confused many. Why would Chelsea suddenly turn their attention to a goalkeeper?

Perhaps it’s because they know Courtois could be on his way out.

One would assume that should Real Madrid step down in their pursuit of Alisson, then they could be going after Chelsea’s Belgian shot stopper.

It’s nothing new, as Los Blancos have pursued him in the past. Both Alisson and Courtois are tall goalkeepers, who like to use their frames to their advantage.

However, Alisson has a lot more flair to his game, which is rare to see in a player of his position. He really does stick to his Brazilian roots.

Courtois would suit Madrid, even if he isn’t at the level David de Gea is. It looks like the Spanish goalkeeper won’t be budged from Manchester United, which opens the gates for Courtois.

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What do you make of the situation?