Chelsea linked with signing Real Madrid star in stunning transfer that has come out of nowhere

Chelsea have been linked with completing their sixth transfer of the summer - and it is one that has come out of nowhere.

The Blues have, as has been typical in recent seasons, been busy in the transfer market this summer, although they have not spent considerable amounts in comparison to previous years.

The free transfer acquisition of Tosin Adarabioyo, formerly of Fulham, was a smart piece of business, while Chelsea have once again invested in youth with deals for Aston Villa's Omari Kellyman, Basel's Renato Veiga and Barcelona's Marc Guehi.

New manager Enzo Maresca has also moved to bring in his former Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who moved to Stamford Bridge for a fee of £30 million.

One position Chelsea are light in is between the sticks, with Djordje Petrovic perhaps unexpectedly being promoted to first-choice goalkeeper last season - his first campaign at the club.

While Petrovic impressed many with his performances, The Telegraph report that Maresca has decided on Robert Sanchez to start the season in goal, as he better fits the Italian's tactical style.

Spanish radio station Radioestadio Noche claim that Chelsea are close to the signing of Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who is set to drop behind the returning Thibaut Courtois in the Bernabeu pecking order.

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The Ukraine international produced some outstanding performances for Carlo Ancelotti's side last season, but was dropped in favour of Courtois for the Champions League final.

He was then dropped by Ukraine at Euro 2024 following an error in their 3-0 group stage defeat to Romania.

Fabrizio Romano claims that Real are yet to receive a bid from Chelsea, however, with The Telegraph adding that the Blues have identified other targets that may better suit Maresca's tactical style.

But Romano adds that Real already have their replacement for Lunin if he does depart, with Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga willing to join them - and therefore creating a potential swap deal scenario - over Al Ittihad if he is promised the backup goalkeeper role.