Chelsea are braced to receive a transfer request from £21m goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen ahead of the January window, according to reports.
Danish shot-stopper Jorgensen joined Chelsea in the summer of 2024 as one of Enzo Maresca’s first signings as Blues boss.
Jorgensen had spent several years as a back-up goalkeeper at Villarreal but was the La Liga club’s first-choice in his final season in Spain.
The 23-year-old described his move to Chelsea as a ‘dream come true’ and put pen to paper on a stunning seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Jorgensen was Maresca’s cup keeper last season and has still been behind No. 1 Robert Sanchez in the Italian’s pecking order so far this term, only making seven league appearances for Chelsea in two years.
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A lack of regular first-team football has led Jorgensen to consider leaving Chelsea ahead of the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It is claimed the goalkeeper and his representatives have opened the door to a January move as they know more first-team minutes are needed for him to develop.
Jorgensen is also keen to go to next summer’s World Cup – if Denmark qualify – and knows that will be at risk unless he gets regular game-time.
He made his international debut last summer but looks set to play back-up to Danish No. 1 and former Premier League star Kasper Schmeichel for some time yet.
The former Villarreal star respects Maresca’s decision to stick with Sanchez as his No. 1 and has remained professional despite his growing frustrations.
Chelsea are yet to decide whether to sanction Jorgensen’s exit but could be inclined to sell given they have Sanchez, Gaga Slonina and Mike Penders on the books.
Maresca appears to have put his faith in Sanchez despite a number of pundits urging Chelsea to replace the Spain international.
John Obi Mikel has been one of Sanchez’s most vocal critics and said just last week he should be replaced despite showing signs of ‘improvement’.
‘There’s a little bit of improvement in his game, which we can all see,’ Obi Mikel said of £25m signing Sanchez on his YouTube channel.
‘When he’s doing well, we also have to give a bit of credit. Yes, Sanchez is doing a little bit better compared to what he’s done last season, a little few mistakes.
‘He started the season again a little bit shaky, but now he’s a little bit more consistent in terms of his performances. But I still think that we do need a top, top goalkeeper.’
Sanchez does have his supporters, however, and ex-England goalkeeper David James recently claimed he was good enough to help Chelsea win the Premier League.
‘I know there are a lot of people who look at Robert Sanchez and question his capabilities but I think he is outstanding,’ James told Metro.
‘I think the one thing that he’s done this season, more so than last season, is contribute with his distribution. His long balls, similar to David Raya, have been exceptional, not only getting the team out of trouble, but actually starting attack moves.
‘And if you look at that Club World Cup, his distribution against PSG was ridiculous and caused all sorts of problems.
‘So I just think that we’ve got a goalkeeper there who I think will be the foundation for Chelsea’s challenge for the title.
‘I think Chelsea will be up there because, first of all, the outfield players. But as I say, with Robert Sanchez they’ve got a goalkeeper who I think could deliver for them this season.’
Chelsea won their last two games before the November international break to climb to third in the Premier League.
Maresca’s Club World Cup and Conference League winners return to action on Saturday against 17th-placed Burnley.
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