According to reports in The Times, Chelsea are leading Newcastle United in the race to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero this summer.
The 35-year-old is in demand after leaving City following the end of his contract, and he is a target for both the Magpies and the Blues who are looking to strengthen between the sticks.
Antonio Conte is looking for back up for Thibaut Courtois after this season’s second choice stopper Asmir Begovic completed a move to Bournemouth last month, while Toon boss Rafa Benitez is looking for a new number one as he doesn’t feel Karl Darlow, Matz Sels or Rob Elliot are good enough to make the step up and be first choice in the Premier League.
It appears as though the Argentine would prefer a move to London, but Benitez will try to persuade him to make the move to Tyneside.
Here are three reasons Newcastle must beat Chelsea to the signing of Caballero…
Experience
The reason that Benitez is looking for a new goalkeeper this summer is because he doesn’t believe Karl Darlow and Matz Sels have the experience to cope with being the number one choice in the Premier League, but Caballero certainly has that.
While he has only made 23 appearances in the English top flight, the 35-year-old has also made 117 outings in La Liga and more than 400 appearances in total in his career, meaning he has seen it all and done it all.
That experience could be priceless as Newcastle look to avoid being embroiled in a relegation battle next season.
He’s on a free
While Benitez is said to have been handed a significant transfer war chest by owner Mike Ashley this summer to ensure that his Newcastle squad is strong enough to comfortably survive next term, the Spaniard will know that signing Caballero on a free would be hugely worthwhile.
Having been released by Man City following the expiry of his contract, bringing the 35-year-old to St James’ Park for nothing would allow him to use more funds on other areas of his team.
Ability
Even though Pep Guardiola brought in Claudio Bravo to be his first choice at the Etihad this season, Caballero displaced him halfway through the campaign and went on to make 17 Premier League appearances and 27 in all competitions.
The 35-year-old showed his qualities by conceding just 13 goals and keeping seven clean sheets in the top flight, and fans may also remember his outstanding performance in the penalty shootout of the League Cup final win against Liverpool in 2016.
He produced three brilliant saves to help City lift the trophy and prove what a good stopper he is.
Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.
