Chelsea Strike Deal with Premier League Rivals as Wantaway Star Finally Gets His Move

Chelsea have agreed to a £25 million ($33.8 million) offer from Bournemouth for goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović, according to reports.

Petrović moved to Chelsea from New England Revolution during the 2023 summer transfer window and made an impressive impact in his first season, finishing as Mauricio Pochettino's preferred goalkeeper. However, the appointment of new head coach Enzo Maresca resulted in the Serbian shot-stopper losing his position in the hierarchy.

The goalkeeper was loaned to affiliated club Strasbourg for the 2024–25 season—an arrangement that featured an informal agreement for a £25 million permanent move this summer—and Petrović impressed again by recording 10 clean sheets throughout the campaign.

Expected to challenge for Chelsea's number one position upon his return, it later became clear that Petrović had asked to be excluded from the Blues' Club World Cup roster as he sought a permanent departure from the club.

Multiple clubs expressed interest with bids, but as reported by The Athletic, Petrović has chosen to sign with Bournemouth, with Chelsea honoring their commitment and accepting a £25 million proposal from the Cherries.

Bournemouth require a new goalkeeper following the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga after his loan arrangement from Chelsea concluded this summer. The Spanish keeper has subsequently secured a permanent move to Arsenal.

The transfer carousel may continue as Strasbourg's hunt for Petrović's replacement is anticipated to lead them to Chelsea prospect Mike Penders, who L'Équipe reports is likely to join Liam Rosenior's team on a season-long loan deal.

Following a summer of significant investment, which has secured Liam Delap, João Pedro and Jamie Gittens along with pre-arranged agreements for Dário Essugo, Estêvão Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Páez, Chelsea's priority is offloading peripheral players to generate funds.

Players who were on loan last season alongside Petrović, including Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling and João Félix, are being made available for transfer, while Chelsea are close to securing £52 million ($70.3 million) from Arsenal's acquisition of Noni Madueke.