Chelsea determined to sign 22-year old goalkeeper dubbed the next 'Petr Cech.'

 Chelsea are in the race for another goalkeeper following the uncertain futures of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga. 

Per reports, Chelsea are determined to sign Leeds united goalkeeper, Ilian Meslier. 

It's long been reported that the Blues are on a hunt for a long-term goalkeeper. Jordan Pickford had been number one on Chelsea's priority targets but fresh reports have claimed that the Blues are hot on the heels in pursuit for Leeds United's Meslier. 

Edouard Mendy who had been Chelsea's number one before an injury-run and poor form saw him dropped for Kepa Arrizabalaga is a long-term doubt and per reports, is considering an exit from the club in January. Kepa Arrizabalaga on the other hand is yet to convince the Blues' hierarchy of his long-term prospects, with suggestions of a sale still very active. 

Chelsea have identified Meslier as a key figure to add to the team in January. 

Recall Meslier had revealed he turned down a decision to join Chelsea when he was 18:

"Chelsea agreed with Lorient and then asked me, ‘Are you ready?’," Meslier told The Athletic "But it was 24 hours before the end of the window.

“I said, ‘No, it’s too late, man! If you’d come one or two weeks earlier then I might have said yes. I can’t sign for you so late’

“It was a difficult decision. Chelsea are a big club. You would ask me, ‘Why not [go]?’. But there are lots of keepers in Chelsea’s academy.

"It’s very hard to grow up there and sometimes you sign and you have to go on loan, things like that. It’s better, I think, to work in your club and then sign to be a No 1 at 24, 25. Not at 18 years old.” Meslier said per GOAL. 

It remains to be seen if the Blues will be able to secure the signature of Meslier.