Chelsea look set to sign out of contract goalkeeper Marco Amelia while Thibaut Courtois continues his recovery from injury, Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
Asmir Begovic is expected to continue as first-choice in Courtois’ absence, but the Belgian’s injury currently only leaves Chelsea with 21-year old Jamal Blackman for cover.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Ronald Koeman’s Southampton side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the Chelsea boss confirmed interest in former AC Milan ‘keeper Amelia:
We have in this moment Marco Amelia working with us for a couple of days. He is an experienced keeper. Marco Amelia knows what a big club is and the responsibility. He has played Champions League and the national team. We need some stability until Courtois is back. Maybe Marco Amelia can give us that.
Amelia has been on trial at Stamford Bridge this week and is expected to sign a contract until the end of the season in the coming days.
But who is he?
Having been bought up as part of the Roma youth system, Amelia has gone on to play for some of Italy’s most celebrated and prestigious clubs, most notably AC Milan.
With 308 career club appearances, 9 caps for Italy and even a goal to his name from his time at Livorno, Mourinho is certainly correct about Amelia bringing impressive experience to the club.
The 33-year old has won Serie A twice and was a part of the Italy squad who were triumphant at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Amelia hasn’t played for his country for six years but has had to compete with the legendary Gianluigi Buffon for a first team place.
He’s been a free agent since August and seems a safe enough bet for Mourinho in his search for cover for Asmir Begovic.
What do you think of Chelsea’s latest recruitment? Will he make much of an impact at Stamford Bridge? Comment and let us know.
