Chelsea ‘strike deal for Milan keeper as Begovic nears Everton’
Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez on a free transfer, with back-up stopper Asmir Begovic poised to join Everton.
According to Calciomercato, the Spanish goalkeeper has reached an agreement to terminate his deal with Milan – which had been due to expire in the summer of 2018.
The former Real Madrid keeper, 34, has reportedly agreed a €1million severance package with the Rossoneri ahead of a free transfer move to Stamford Bridge.
Lopez will reportedly join the Blues on an initial one-year deal, which will see him earn around €2million per season and provide cover and competition for Chelsea’s No 1 Thibaut Courtois.
The report adds that Chelsea are in the hunt for a new back-up keeper after agreeing to the £8million sale of Begovic to Everton. The Toffees have been in the market for a new stopper this summer following Tim Howard’s return to America.
Begovic joined Chelsea in an £8million deal from Stoke last summer and managed 17 Premier League starts for the club. However, he reportedly became disillusioned at losing his starting spot to Courtois, despite some indifferent performances from the Belgian and has asked to be allowed the chance to speak to Ronald Koeman’s side.