Chelsea join race for Brazilian ‘keeper

Chelsea welcome relegation-threatened Burnley to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s side sit 11th in the Premier League table at present, with the Argentine enduring a frustrating first season in SW6.

While qualification for one of the lesser European competitions is still realistic, the Blues are set to miss out on the Champions League for a second successive season since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took charge of the club.

Both Pochettino and the club’s ownership continue to divide supporter opinion at Stamford Bridge, with the Americans having spent more than £1 billion since taking charge of the club in 2022.

Despite spending vast amounts over the past few transfer windows, it appears that Chelsea have joined the race to sign a highly-rated goalkeeper.

As per Globo Esporte via 90min, the Blues are one of several clubs interested in Athletico Paranaense ‘keeper Bento.

Bento has attracted interest from several European clubs

The 24-year-old has impressed in the Brazilian top flight this season, and will soon make his 150th career appearance for his boyhood club.

Bento recently made his senior international debut for Brazil, during their 1-0 win over England at Wembley.

Having established himself as Athletico’s first choice ‘keeper in 2022, the Brazilian has since attracted interest from several clubs.

The report claims that Italian side Inter Milan and Portuguese club Benfica are both interested in the shot-stopper, who has also piqued the interest of Premier League sides Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

Athletico are said to have rejected a £12.5 million offer for Bento from an unnamed club during the recent January window, but his value will likely have risen further since then.

Chelsea signed two ‘keepers – Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic – last summer following the departures of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga, but the report suggests that they remain on the hunt for a new number one.