Chelsea already have two international goalkeepers on their books, but questions have been asked whether Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy are the right men to fill starting duties for the Blues between the sticks.

Both have impressed at times, with a Spanish shot-stopper still the world’s most expensive custodian, while the Senegalese star collected a FIFA Best award for his efforts in 2021. Unfortunately, consistency has proved elusive for two men competing for one spot in West London.

Business

That has led to speculation hinting at more transfer business being carried out by big-spending Chelsea. One man reported to be in the Blues’ sights is Jordan Pickford, with a proven performer currently plying his club trade at Everton.

He is also an established senior international and has offered enough across appearances at major tournaments with England to suggest that the Three Lions are a useful pick for the World Cup odds, as they're currently priced at 9/1 to go all the way and win the trophy.

Plenty of eyes will be on Pickford in the Middle East, and some of those may be based at Stamford Bridge. Graham Potter has said of the options currently available to him: “You hope to have as many difficult decisions as possible all over the team because then you have competition, you have good players pushing each other to improve, and that can only be beneficial for the team.”

It may be that he decides collective standards can be raised when it comes to the first name on any given team sheet. There is certainly plenty of gossip to suggest that consideration is being given to landing a fresh last line of defence, with another transfer window set to swing open in January.

Pickford may become a target as he is currently on a contract at Everton until 2024 and continues to see the Toffees struggle for a spark in the Premier League. He would find it difficult to shun interest from a club of Chelsea’s stature despite having previously suggested that he is happy on Merseyside.

A confident character has said of life at Goodison Park: “For me, Everton is the People's Club and there's huge passion that comes with that. That's what I thrive off - seeing the fans having a good time. If I didn't have that passion and desire to win, then what's the point in playing football?”

What Chelsea need to determine is whether Pickford is the right man for them. Does he tick the boxes that Potter is looking for from a goalkeeper?

Distribution

He might not be the biggest of shot-stoppers, but there has never been any questioning Pickford’s reflexes or ability with his feet – with distribution now an important quality in any keeper’s arsenal. With Chelsea looking to play out from the back, that is an area that they will be prioritising.

Experience of life in the English top-flight will also be a big tick in another box, with Pickford requiring no time in which to adjust to life in the most demanding of divisions, and while he would not come cheap – with Everton understandably reluctant to part with any prized assets – Blues of a different kind may decide that he is money well spent.