Chelsea have reportedly gained momentum in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
The Blues are keen on bringing the shot-stopper to the Premier League this summer, with the German side supposedly demanding £51m for the talent.
Such a fee would make the Switzerland international the third-most expensive goalkeeper in history, after Liverpool's Alisson Becker and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Kobel has kept a modest total of six clean sheets across 30 Bundesliga appearances this season, as Dortmund chase down a spot in the Champions League.
The team's final away match of the Bundesliga season arrives on Sunday afternoon, when Niko Kovac's men travel to Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen.
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Chelsea gaining momentum in Kobel hunt?
According to German publication BILD, Chelsea are pushing on with their hunt to bring Borussia Dortmund's Kobel to Stamford Bridge before the start of next season.
The report claims that the Blues are 'gaining momentum' in the race for the Swiss stopper, who would become the first-choice option in West London.
It is understood that Dortmund are reluctant to part ways with Kobel, especially considering that his current deal expires in the summer of 2028.
The 27-year-old is supposedly happy at Signal Iduna Park, meaning that Enzo Maresca's men may need to convince the player quite heavily over the coming weeks.
However, Kobel is keen to remain as a Champions League player next season, with Dortmund currently one place and point outside of the top four in the Bundesliga.
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Chelsea's goalkeeping troubles
Two goalkeepers are sharing the burden in between the sticks at Chelsea this term, with Filip Jorgensen mostly playing in the Premier League, while Robert Sanchez takes care of Conference League duties.
The Blues have a host of high-profile shot-stoppers away from Stamford Bridge on temporary deals, including Kepa on the South coast with Bournemouth.
Kobel's arrival from Germany would signal the end of Jorgensen's time as first choice, potentially leaving the Dane scrambling for a new club.
Carter White
