Chelsea goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic is poised to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after falling down the pecking order in Enzo Maresca’s bloated squad.
The Blues have begun scouring the market for possible loan options for the Serbian shot-stopper, who has been deemed surplus to requirements.
According to BBC, Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg and Europa Conference League finalists Fiorentina have approached Chelsea over a potential loan move for Petrovic.
Both Chelsea and Petrovic are open to parting ways temporatily, but the keeper is concerned about his development plan at the club.
Petrovic started last season playing second fiddle to Robert Sanchez.
However, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man struggled with form, inconsistency, and injuries, paving the way for Petrovic to establish himself as Chelsea’s first-choice stopper.
He kept five clean sheets in 23 Premier League games after signing from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution in a £12.5 million deal last summer.
However, his underlying numbers have called his long term future at the Bridge into question with the Serb recording a disappointing -8.93 goals prevented, which is one of the worst in the Premier League.
He also committed two errors leading to a goal and recorded a 66.4% save percentage from 110 shots faced.
Chelsea’s defending was shambolic last season, but Petrovic’s numbers in his debut season struggled to inspire confidence in his ability.
He fell down the pecking order following the arrival of Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal, and Chelsea are looking to ship him out on loan to get more first-team minutes and continue his development.
Petrovic’s skill set doesn’t align with the brand of football Enzo Maresca wants to implement at Chelsea, and clubs are already eyeing a move for the 24-year-old.
Fiorentina and Strasbourg have now expressed interest in signing Petrovic on loan.
However, any deal wouldn’t be straightforward, with the player demanding clarity about his development plan at the Bridge.
He is also cautious about dropping down to a lesser level or becoming a back-up option elsewhere.
Petrovic signed a six-year deal when he joined Chelsea and is willing to bide his time until he can secure a move to a high-profile club.
Stats from Fotmob.com
