Robert Sanchez has endured a torrid time across an error-strewn season at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are believed to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper ahead the summer transfer window.
The Spain international even lost his place midway through the campaign, only to win it back again thanks to a string of unconvincing performances from his understudy Filip Jorgensen.
There have been calls amongst the fanbase for head coach Enzo Maresca to put his faith in Djordje Petrovic next term, with the Serbian enjoying an impressive loan spell at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg.
But it’s understood the priority is to find a long-term solution in the summer transfer market and the likes of Roma’s Mile Svilar, Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale and Dortmund’s Kobel have been linked in recent weeks.
According to Bild, Kobel has ‘long been in Chelsea’s sights’ and there has been ‘contact for months’ between the two camps over a potential transfer deal.
But it’s claimed Kobel has decided he will be staying put at Dortmund and a proposed move to west London is now ‘off the table’.
The report adds that Kobel’s entourage have informed BVB sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, that their client has no plans to up sticks and remains committed to the Bundesliga outfit.
The 27-year-old is keen to nail down his spot at Switzerland’s number one for the 2026 World Cup – and remain fully focussed on the upcoming Club World Cup – without transfer speculation becoming a distraction.
Earlier this month, the German newspaper reported that Dortmund could have done business for Kobel had they received an offer of between €60-70 million (£50-59m) for the shot-stopper.
Kobel still has three years remaining on his current contract at the Westfalenstadion.
Asked for an update on his future earlier this month, Kobel said as cited by Sports Central: ‘I do not comment on such things at all. ‘It was important to me that we were in the Champions League, because this club simply belongs in the Champions League. ‘It is been a hell of a four years here. The Champions League final, almost champions, and this year it was a completely different season. ‘It was definitely exciting, and you never got bored.’
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