Chelsea backup goalkeeper Asmir Begović is expected to leave the club this summer after agreeing to see out the season in January when Chelsea were unable to find a replacement for him on short notice, and he’s expected to leave for AFC Bournemouth who have been navigating the treacherous waters of the Premier League with the ancient Artur Boruc in goal.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea and Bournemouth are expected to agree on a £15m transfer fee for the soon to be 30-year-old (almost double the £8m Chelsea paid Stoke City!), with personal terms to follow soon after, and even a medical already expected to occur later this week.
#Bournemouth proche de boucler l'arrivée du gardien bosnien de #Chelsea, Asmir #Begovic (29), selon le Daily Mail. pic.twitter.com/RkTfDgrUIQ
— Team Mercato (@TeamMercato) May 30, 2017
Begović joined two years ago as the backup to replace outgoing club legend Petr Čech. Bego played more than anyone expected that first season thanks to a Thibaut Courtois injury, but played less than than he expected this season thanks to a healthy and in-form Courtois. With a Premier League winners’ medal now in his trophy cabinet, Begović can hardly be blamed for wanting to play more minutes.
Chelsea have had the luxury of great backup goalkeepers for many years (Begović, Čech, Cudicini, Hilario, etc) and replacing the Bosnian international will not be easy in that regard, especially if we are to do it smartly with a homegrown option.