Chelsea have been warned that they may have already made a costly error just days into the summer transfer window.
A successful end to the season saw Chelsea not only qualify for the Champions League but win silverware after their triumph over Real Betis in the Conference League final.
But Enzo Maresca’s side have been quick to turn their attention to the transfer market as they look to make additions in advance of the Club World Cup.
Up front, Chelsea won the race to sign Liam Delap, beating off interest from Manchester United to secure the Ipswich Town striker’s signature.
And the Blues next focus appears to be upgrading upon their options in goal following an inconsistent season from first-choice keeper Robert Sanchez.
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AC Milan captain Mike Maignan has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although both clubs have ground to concede when it comes to the Frenchman’s valuation.
Milan valued Maignan at around £25million, but Chelsea appear unwilling to stump up that fee for a player who has just one year left on their contract.
Should Chelsea fail to agree a fee with Milan, they may well stick with their current crop of keepers which is set to be boosted by the returning Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders from their respective loans.
But former Premier League winger Jermaine Pennant believes Maresca’s side missed a trick by not seeking to sign Caoimhin Kelleher at the start of the window.
The Republic of Ireland international left Liverpool to join Brentford for a measly £12.5m fee, having previously attracted interest from Chelsea as well as Tottenham.
But Penannt is certain that the Irishman would have represented a major upgrade on the Blues’ current first choice
‘He’s definitely better than (Robert) Sanchez,’ Pennant told talkSPORT when asked if Chelsea should have considered a move for Kelleher.
‘He never let Liverpool down, and when Alisson did get injured, at no point did you worry because he was so comfortable as a number two. Probably the best number two out there.
‘Every time he was in there, he was solid and made some big saves. He wasn’t as good with his feet and sometimes Liverpool had to change because of that, but apart from that, what a great servant.
‘He kept Liverpool in so many games and was a huge part of why they won the league – he played a lot of games last season.’
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy was equally full of praise for Kelleher’s performances whilst at the Merseyside club.
‘He’s remarkable. Not only his ability and coming in and doing what he does but he never moaned or sulked when Alisson came back in after injury – he just got on. And what a snip for just 12 mil. For Brentford, it’s a great deal.’
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