Enzo Maresca ‘targeting’ star Arsenal scouted ahead of Chelsea arrival

Chelsea have set their sights on Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles. Enzo Maresca is keen to bring a ball-playing goalkeeper to Stamford Bridge next season, as he aims to introduce a possession-based style of play.

The 26-year-old Spaniard could fit the bill after Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen was a key figure under Maresca – not only keeping the opposition at bay but also tidying up behind the Foxes’ defence and initiating play from the back. Stats indicate that Valles was the top ‘sweeper keeper’ in Europe’s major leagues this season after regaining possession 38 times – no other goalkeeper achieved more.

He also boasts impressive reflexes after stopping the second most goals in La Liga, behind another player of interest, Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili. Sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are data enthusiasts and they will collaborate with the club’s scouts, recruitment team, and Maresca to finalise their summer transfer targets.

The underlying stats from Valles’ remarkable breakthrough season will undoubtedly be highlighted by key data algorithms. Valles’ contract runs out in 2025 and Las Palmas president Miguel Angel Ramirez is open to offers after turning down a £17million bid from Nottingham Forest in January.

Arsenal have also been scouting Valles as they prepare to part ways with Aaron Ramsdale, while Real Betis and Wolves are also among his increasing list of admirers.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Villarreal’s young shot-stopper Filip Jorgensen, while Burnley’s James Trafford is also on the radar after his impressive stint under Maresca at Manchester City.

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The potential arrival of a new keeper could signal an exit for Robert Sanchez, who seems likely to leave following Dorde Petrovic’s standout end to his first Premier League season. Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to be offloaded after his loan spell with Real Madrid.