Chelsea are reportedly attempting to add yet another prospect to their ranks, this time an 18-year-old goalkeeper.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in securing a deal for Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders.
Co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have made a sustained approach to acquiring young talent since their arrival in May 2020.
While some have been purchased with the intention of handing them regular minutes in the first team, others have been signed with the future in mind.
That is seemingly the case with Gabriel Slonina, who was signed from Chicago Fire when he was 18 years of age and had already starred in MLS.
As it stands, it remains to be seen whether the United States international will eventually become a first-team player at Stamford Bridge with another loan likely to occur on the back of a year being spent at Eupen.
The West Londoners are now seemingly taking a closer look at action in Belgium with a teenager from that country said to be on their radar.
JPL debut with a clean sheet ✅
Good job, Mike Penders 🙌#mijnploeg #krcgenk pic.twitter.com/pYYVczVyhq— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) July 28, 2024
Chelsea like Penders
According to Voetbal journalist Bob Faesen, Chelsea have started to take an interest in young goalkeeper Penders.
Faesen says that negotiations are underway with Chelsea interested in securing a deal worth in the region of $1m (£780,000).
If terms were agreed between the respective clubs, Penders would be allowed to remain at Genk on loan for the season.
The Belgium Under-19 international made his debut at the weekend, keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Standard Liege.
With Penders holding a contract until 2028, Genk may now argue that Penders valuation has substantially increased.
© Imago
Will deal impact on Jorgensen chase?
Chelsea allegedly intend to continue with their pursuit of Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen who will soon become the main challenger to Robert Sanchez.
Djordje Petrovic remains in the Chelsea ranks, yet it has been widely claimed that the Serbian will soon be sold or loaned out.
A decision will be made on Slonina’s future once he has finished representing the United States at the Olympic Games.