Chelsea and Man United monitoring Premier League ‘keeper

Chelsea have been drawn to face Manchester City in the FA Cup third round in January, just weeks after the two sides met at the same stage of the Carabao Cup. 

Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions emerged victorious on that occasion, running out 2-0 winners, but The Blues will be hoping for revenge when they travel to The Etihad again in the new year.

Chelsea were in poor form prior to the Premier League’s World Cup break, with new manager Graham Potter having watched his side struggle after an initial run of good form when he took charge.

His side lost three consecutive league matches prior to the break, with Potter often tinkering with his side both during matches and between fixtures.

The ex-Brighton and Hove Albion man doesn’t appear sure of his preferred starting 11 at present, with his choice of goalkeeper providing particular concern.

Potter has so far used both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, with the Spaniard having appeared to be Potter’s first choice until he suffered an injury and was replaced by his Senegalese teammate.

Now, The Blues are believed to be keeping tabs on a potential target to solve their goalkeeping conundrum.

Kepa looked to have established himself as Chelsea’s number one before sustaining an injury

According to Si Phillips, Chelsea are monitoring Leeds United ‘keeper Illan Meslier’s situation.

The Frenchman has been in fine form for The Whites of late, and has established himself as a Premier League-quality goalkeeper.

Meslier, 22, joined Leeds from French side Lorient in 2019, initially on loan, before making his move permanent the following year.

The ‘keeper has since made more than 100 appearances for Leeds, keeping 27 clean sheets.

It is also suggested that Manchester United are interested in the Frenchman, who had been a regular for Les Blues’ youth sides.

The report claims that Chelsea could even look to sign the player in January, although he is contracted to his current side until 2026 which puts Leeds under little pressure to sell.

Blues boss Potter is said to be a huge admirer of Meslier, although they have also been linked with a move for Brighton’s Robert Sanchez, who worked under the Englishman during his time at The Amex.