Chelsea keen onBarcelona shot stopper who could be available in January

Soccer Football – Friendly – Joan Gamper Trophy – FC Barcelona v Como – Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona, Spain – August 10, 2025 FC Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen speaks to the fans before the match REUTERS/Bruna Casas

Chelsea are interested in signing Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan in January. The experienced shot stopper has had to settle for place behind new signing Joan Garcia and former Arsenal man Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order at Barca, drawing his future with the club in question.

The Blues find themselves on the market for a new keeper, having been unconvinced by their current goalkeeping core at the club. Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen are the two most senior goalkeepers as it stands, with the pair regularly swapping appearances between them.

It was the latter who got the nod in goal for Chelsea’s 5-1 thrashing of Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, but the former has started all of Chelsea’s Premier League matches so far this season. Neither has done enough to convince boss Enzo Maresca of a long term future between the sticks.

Such was evident by Chelsea’s summer pursuit of AC Milan and France No.1 Mike Maignan, who the Blues are expected to return for next summer. TeamTalk has now reported that Chelsea are interested in a trusted veteran goalkeeper addition in the meantime, and have identified Ter Stegen as a possible temporary solution.

Ter Stegen has made 422 appearances for Barcelona, but has yet to appear this season. TeamTalk’s transfer insider Dean Jones says the German international could be available in January after being frozen out of the first team picture by manager Hansi Flick.

Chelsea are looking for a safe pair of hands as they prepare to fight on all fronts.

“It would not surprise me if Chelsea looked into getting Ter Stegen on loan for the second half of the season,” Jones said.

“They want to make sure they are well prepared for any big moments and will definitely not want to be caught short in such a key position, which has been a concern already.”

Jones continued, saying the deal could be difficult for the Blues considering competition across Europe and the player’s hefty wage demands.

“Obviously, he will be swamped with offers, so competing for a spot may not turn out to be something that appeals to him. The wages situation could come into the equation, too.”

“But I still think Chelsea will attempt to sign Maignan on a permanent deal, and that would happen in the summer, so getting Ter Stegen in short-term for now could be an option.”

“It has become clear that a move from Barca is on the horizon, so let’s see how this opens up.”

“Chelsea have definitely had interest in him in recent times and will be fully briefed on his situation ahead of any decision.”

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.