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Manchester United looking to beat Chelsea, as both clubs want ANOTHER goalkeeper: report

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Manchester United and Chelsea are both looking to upgrade in goal, with a Bundesliga star eyed

Gregor Kobel is wanted by both Chelsea and Manchester United
Gregor Kobel is wanted by both Chelsea and Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)

Chelsea and Manchester United are both hoping to lure Gregor Kobel to the Premier League.

The talented Swiss shot-stopper has six clean sheets to his name for German giants Borussia Dortmund so far this season and it is thought a move to England could come to fruition during the summer.

So far, the Blues are leading the race given their goalkeeping criticisms in recent weeks but Manchester United are known to be long-term admirers of the 27-year-old goalkeeper.

So why do Chelsea want to sign another goalkeeper?

Enzo Maresca wants to improve his attack and could look to weaken a fellow top-four rival

Enzo Maresca has publicly backed Robert Sanchez in recent weeks (Image credit: Getty Images)

Costly errors from Robert Sanchez have prompted rumours that Chelsea once again are in search of a new goalkeeper this summer.

The Independent says Kobel fits 'multiple criteria' the Blues would like in a shot-stopper despite their influx of goalies currently on the books at Stamford Bridge.

COBHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Robert Sanchez of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on February 20, 2024 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Robert Sanchez has made some embarrassing errors for Chelsea this season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim has also opted to rotate his goalkeepers with Andre Onana's performances leaving fans frustrated.

The Cameroon international isn't shy of a blunder or two, nor is no.2 Altay Bayindir who flaked at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last year.

“It’s like the team, ups and downs, really up sometimes and really down sometimes," said Amorim after Onana gifted Brighton's Georginio Rutter a goal at Old Trafford on January 19 in their 3-1 loss.

"We have to maintain the focus during all the game to try to win the games. That is the only way we can turn things around.”

Chelsea are said to have the advantage in their pursuit given Manchester United see their priorities for improvement elsewhere on the pitch at present. It also remains to be seen how INEOS would be prepared to approach the transfer given Onana and Bayindir are on contracts running until 2028 and 2027 respectively.

In FourFourTwo's view, Kobel is likely to warrant a serious transfer fee and we cannot see Manchester United pursuing the Switzerland international unless a huge overhaul is sanctioned this summer at Old Trafford.

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.