With much of our attentions focused on the Euros, or Michy Batshuayi, or a big-name striker or two, or perhaps the latest midfielder with whom Chelsea have been linked and will, invariably, not succeed in signing, let's not forget that there's still some goalkeeper drama to take care before the start of (pre-)season. (Which is a little over two weeks; hurray!)
The Courtois vs. Lollichon debate / three-day fight seemed to die down for a while, but the Mail brought up back up yesterday, claiming that the long-time goalkeeper coach now fears for his future at Stamford Bridge. Which, I suppose he should. He may be a "well-liked" by the club's leadership, but Conte apparently wants his own man as does, even more importantly, Courtois himself. Lollichon may be great at what he does, but if Courtois is our man for the future, then the first priority is to keep him happy and cater to his wishes. Just as we brought Lollichon in for Čech after Silvino was fired alongside Mourinho (the first time), it's only natural that we bring in someone new alongside a new coach, whether that be Conte's man or Courtois's man, or perhaps both. Let's set the team, the head coach, and the goalkeeper up for success, rather than drama.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continue to be linked with backup goalkeepers even though Asmir Begović has not made much noise about leaving. Steve Mandanda had made his brief rounds in the rumor mill already, but he seems to be heading to Crystal Palace instead. Considering that Palace missed out on Mandanda's teammate Batshuayi in favor of Chelsea, it's only fair that they get their piece of the Marseille pie with Mandanda himself.
Instead of the veteran Frenchman, Chelsea are now being linked with AC Milan veteran Diego Lopez, who once dared to be much better than Iker Casillas as Real Madrid. Linked might actually be an understatement, if Di Marzio's to be believed.
Boom by @DiMarzio! Diego Lopez in talks to join Chelsea from AC Milan, but only if Begovic will leave #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2016
Boom, I guess. The full report claims that Lopez, who apparently wants out after losing his starting spot to a boy half his age, would sign a three-year deal if (when?) Begović does leave (for Everton maybe?). Of course, signing a 34-year-old to a three-year contract is a) stupid and b) against club policy.
Also, Chelsea have confirmed this morning that Marco Amelia has been released. His future might still lie with the club of course in some sort of coaching capacity.