Cech had been linked with a return to Chelsea, the club where he spent 11 seasons and won plenty of silverware. However, at 36-years-old, his return to Stamford Bridge would likely have been to play a back up role, and replace the club’s current second choice, Willy Caballero.
Caballero, whose howler at this summer’s World Cup in Russia cost him his place in Argentina’s starting line up, needs replacing by the Blues. Should injury or suspension befall the club’s no. 1, currently Thibaut Courtois, then few will have faith in Caballero to be a reliable deputy.
With Cech now seemingly out of reach, Chelsea must look elsewhere to find a new ‘keeper to provide back up and competition to Courtois.
Even with the imminent arrival of veteran Rob Green, reported by The Sun, it is likely that the ex-England shot stopper would come in as third choice whilst Jamal Blackman serves a stint on loan.
Following the emergence of Alex McCarthy last season and the recent arrival of Angus Gunn, Forster’s standing in the pecking order at Southampton has never been lower.
A move to Chelsea, where he would find first team minutes hard to come by, may not suit the 30-year-old who likely has ambitions of forcing his way back into the England picture.
However, if Chelsea could convince the ex-Celtic man to come to Stamford Bridge as a stand in and cup competition ‘keeper, then they’d have a very solid no. 2 option on their books.
Transfermarkt value Forster at £13.5 million, which would be a great price for the Blues to land him for.
According to The Sun, Chelsea have already shown an interest in signing Joe Hart this summer.
The man who was England’s no. 1 at Euro 2016 has found his career in continual decline since his poor showing at that tournament.
Loan spells with Torino and West Ham have failed to revitalise the Premier League winner’s form, and if he is to make himself first choice again somewhere he could have to take a step down to Championship level.
For Chelsea though, he’d make for a more comforting back up than Caballero.
Transfermarkt value Hart at £9 million, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has already stated that he is prepared to allow the goalkeeper to leave the club this summer, as reported by Sky Sports.