The last few days of any transfer window are generally mad. We have the initial flurry of teams getting deals they have clearly been working on for a while boxed off early on, before a midway lull as negotiations rumble and everyone tries not to show their hand too soon.But now weâre in phase three: all-out mayhem, and Chelsea, the Premier Leagueâs leading force, look to be ready to descend into the pit with regards to their goalkeeping situation.[ad_pod id='now-tv' align='centre']Indeed, Bournemouth want the Bluesâ back-up stopper Asmir Begovic, who himself is surely keen to move on after warming the bench since moving to London from Stoke, but Antonio Conteâs men need another goalie if they are to offload the Bosnian, which has led to links with Celticâs Craig Gordon.Alas, the Bhoys star may not move on â after all, the Glasgow club are on course for a domestic treble this term â and The Guardianâs Ed Aarons has revealed that Newcastleâs Karl Darlow, rated at £8m, is an alternative option.
Darlow has been impressive in the Championship for the Magpies, and grabbed headlines this term for this zero-to-hero saveâ¦
And itâs not just the big moments that suggest heâd be a good option to support Thibaut Courtoisâ¦
In his 18 league outings this term, Darlow has conceded 14 goals and made 40 saves, leaving him with a saves-per-goal score of 3.1, which is superior to Courtoisâ 2.5. On top of this, the 26-year-old has made 74 catches, an impressive number, and kept seven clean sheets, while his distribution accuracy is notable too at 62%.
The player himself would have to be willing to play a fringe role, but Chelsea could be getting themselves a decent option for the future if theyâre able to lure him from St Jamesâ Park.
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