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Burnley: Craig Burley urges Chelsea to sign Nick Pope
Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope has been described by former Premier League player Craig Burley as “one of the best out there”, with the ex-Chelsea midfielder imploring his former club to sign the 28-year-old.
The Blues have indeed been linked with a potential move for the Clarets netminder (as per 90min.com) as Frank Lampard seeks an upgrade on the much-maligned Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Burley has also tipped Pope to usurp Jordan Pickford as England’s first-choice ‘keeper ahead of the European Championship next summer, with the twice-capped Burnley stopper featuring in Gareth Southgate’s squad for this week’s UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The ex-Scotland international told ESPN FC [via Daily Express]: “I still think Nick Pope at Burnley is one of the best out there. I don’t know what the scenario is with Burnley in terms of the fee that they would want for him, of course they don’t want to sell him.
“But I do think that come the Euros in 2021, if he continues the way he did last year, Jordan Pickford won’t be England No 1, or I would be surprised if he was England No 1 come the Euros, that’s how well Pope played, and that’s been noticed.
“I don’t know if Lampard likes him but for me, that would be a much better scenario than Kepa starting the season.”
It is no surprise that ex-Chelsea player Burley wants his former club to sign Pope, given the 28-year-old’s excellent form during the 2019/20 season.
The Burnley goalkeeper racked up 15 clean sheets in the Premier League, just one fewer than Golden Glove winner Ederson of Manchester City. He also had the fourth-highest total of saves out of any ‘keeper in the division last term with 120 – Pickford had 94 while Kepa made just 55 (as per premierleague.com).
While Pope conceded three more league goals than Kepa last season (50 to 47), the Spaniard played five fewer games, with his concession average of 1.42 per game higher than the Burnley man’s 1.32.
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Chelsea have already splurged almost £130m in the current transfer window, so the Clarets will likely be hoping that Lampard may not have much more cash to throw at potential new signings. If the Blues manage to raise funds by offloading unwanted players, though, they could continue to test Burnley’s resolve in their pursuit of Pope, whose ever-present status in last season’s Premier League illustrates the enormity of his importance to Sean Dyche’s squad.
There is still just over a month left in this transfer window and it could be a nervy one at Turf Moor if Chelsea act on Burley’s advice and try to bring Pope to Stamford Bridge.
Burnley fans, how hard it would be to replace Pope if he leaves for Chelsea? Have your say by commenting below!
