Chelsea urged to sign Man City star this summer amid ongoing transfer headache
Chelsea have been told to go all out to sign a Man City star this summer amid their ongoing troubles this season
Liam Rosenior and Chelsea have been told to sign James Trafford from Man City this summer.
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes the Blues should pursue James Trafford vigorously this summer, given Robert Sanchez’s inconsistent performances.
The England youth international impressed with Burnley in the Championship last season, guiding the Clarets to promotion back to the Premier League.
Trafford attracted interest from numerous top-flight clubs before Man City triggered a buy-back clause in their arrangement with Burnley, securing him for £31million.
Nevertheless, he’s featured in only 11 matches across all competitions ahead of the FA Cup fixture against Newcastle United.
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Chelsea are expected to integrate loanee Mike Penders into the senior squad when his temporary spell at sister club Strasbourg concludes this summer, with the Belgian youth international performing impressively in Ligue 1 this season.
However, the Blues have also been linked with a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, which hints they could try to sign a goalkeeper if the right one becomes available.
Yet Cole believes Chelsea shouldn’t miss the chance to acquire Trafford this summer if he becomes available.
The former Chelsea player told Paddy Power: “It’s hard with Robert Sanchez because he’s performed well at times. He came out of the starting lineup to Jorgenson the other day.
“So it doesn’t look like Liam Rosenior has settled on a No.1 as much as he says he ‘doesn’t have a No.1’. That’s just how he operates.
“When a goalkeeper like James Trafford becomes available, then Chelsea may have to strike. He is improving, is Sanchez, but I still think there’s another level. Is it going to be there in time for Chelsea to kick on and be challenging for the Champions League and competing with the Arsenal and Man City’s of the world?
“Liverpool have got Allison, Man City have got [Gianluigi] Donnarumma, and Arsenal have got David Raya. That’s the level of goalkeeper Chelsea need. Sanchez can get there, but can he get there quick enough?”
Trafford was also linked with a switch to Newcastle United this summer but opted to rejoin his former club City, though things haven’t gone to plan for the England youth international with Gianluigi Donnarumma firmly established as first choice.
When questioned just last month about his role as cup goalkeeper at City, Trafford explained: “I didn’t expect the situation [with Donnarumma] to happen but it happened, so just get on with it.
“So it’s happened so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot. No, it wasn’t [no.1 spot promised]. So it is what it is.
“It’s football, you’ve got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. This is just another experience to add to my career and it has been a good learning experience.”
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