Chelsea now set aside £20m to address new priority position, 23-year-old Leeds man has been linked

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Chelsea have now set aside £20 million to sign a new goalkeeper with Leeds United’s Illan Meslier among the names to have been linked this summer.

That is according to the Evening Standard, who report Chelsea are set to hand new signing Robert Sanchez the chance to be number one after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s move to Real Madrid.

Kepa was originally expected to challenge Sanchez for a regular starting spot but Chelsea have changed their plans as a result of his departure.

Instead, Mauricio Pochettino will now look towards signing a ‘young supporting option’ with a budget in place of around £20 million.

Chelsea have regularly been linked with a move for Meslier in recent years and it would not be a surprise to see them return based on this latest update.

Chelsea set aside £20m for goalkeeper, Meslier has been linked

As per Foot Mercato, Chelsea are keen on a deal for Meslier, who spoke of the Blues’ interest in his services earlier in the summer to RMC Sport, stating it would be difficult to say no to a move to Stamford Bridge.

He did add, however, that he would not be interested in joining Chelsea if they were to sign him as their number two, which could be a stumbling block if they were to pursue a deal.

Meslier had widely been expected to leave Leeds this summer after relegation but with no bids having been received, has started as Daniel Farke’s number one.

With just over two weeks left of the window, it is becoming increasingly likely he will stay, though the fact he was offered to Manchester City in the last couple of days (Florian Plettenberg) could indicate someone is still looking for a move.

This is certainly one to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches.