Why Chelsea should plot a move for Ugurcan Cakir in the summer

As per Fotospor (h/t The Express), Chelsea are considering a move for Turkish shot-stopper Ugurcan Cakir at the end of the season.

Frank Lampard got Chelsea off to a good start to the campaign but hasn’t managed to keep them going stronger in the past few weeks. He had limited quality options to chose from due to the transfer ban imposed on them last summer.

However, even after getting their ban uplifted, the manager failed to bring in reinforcements and has struggled to find the right combination. The outfield players have done a decent job but the goalkeeping department has failed to live up to the expectations.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero are the only two shot-stoppers available at Lampard’s disposal and they don’t have a third-choice in that department. The defensive unit has not held its line tight and that has resulted in the failure of both the keepers.

Arrizabalaga was bought by Chelsea in the summer of 2018 after two impressive seasons with Athletic Bilbao. He was a regular starter under Maurizio Sarri last season and put in some match-winning performances for the Blues.

But that has not been the case this season. He totally looks to be out of form and has already conceded 32 goals in the league. In Chelsea’s 4-4 draw against Ajax earlier in the campaign, the Spaniard looked completely different from what he was in the last term. He was at fault for two of the goals and has lost his place in the team to Caballero in recent weeks.

The Argentine ace has also struggled to find form since his arrival in London, back in 2017. He put in a disastrous performance for the national side in the last World Cup and age is catching up with him. Hence, the manager should bring in a young talent, who can give a competition to Chelsea’s keepers.

In that regard, Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir would be a good choice by the club. He has been excellent for his side and has helped them reach the 2^nd place in the Super Lig table, with just one point behind the leaders Istanbul Basaksehir.

The 23-year-old’s impressive performances in the last two years also earned him a call up to Turkey’s national squad. And he made his debut in March 2019. He would be a good choice for Chelsea if he is able to keep up with the good form.

Read more

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Verdict

With Caballero ageing (38) and Kepa not at his best, Chelsea should take a chance with Cakir as he has the ability to play at a higher level. He is also just 23 and could be seen as an investment for the future.

Therefore, the Blues should make a move for the Turkish international and manage to lure him to the Stamford Bridge.