Chelsea are hoping to strengthen their options in goal next season and have identified a number of potential suitors.
One man who has turned the heads of Frank Lampard and Co is Burnley’s Nick Pope, who had a strong 2019/20 campaign.
The Blues have identified him as a possible replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has disappointed the manager with his performances in the net. Chelsea have also been strongly linked to Jan Oblak, but with his mammoth £120million release clause, the West Londoners are broadening their search.
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Pope could be the ideal candidate for Lampard’s transitional project, but Paul Robinson believes the England international must up his game if he is to survive at a club like Chelsea.
“He would have to work very hard with the ball at his feet if he was to make the step up to the likes of Chelsea,” the former shot-stopper told Football Insider. “He would have to be a sweeper and would have to work on that part of his game if he wants to step up to the next level.”
According to the Daily Star, Pope would command a fee of £50million, which is arguably a fair price considering his statistics from this season. The 28-year-old made the fourth highest amount of saves with 120 and was just one clean sheet behind Golden Glove winner Ederson who tallied 16 (via Premier League).
However, despite his impressive form, Robinson has likened Pope’s situation to that of Jordan Pickford who made the jump from Sunderland to Everton. The Toffees No.1 has come under a lot of scrutiny for his errors this campaign, with many fans attacking his poor displays on social media.
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“A lot of criticism and scrutiny comes with it,” Robinson continued. “People are quick to put you on a pedestal but you have to have the ability and a very strong mentality to stay at that top level. That is the biggest challenge when you move to a so-called big club.”
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