Premier League relegation candidates Leicester City are reportedly at the front of the queue to land in-demand Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, despite being seen at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Tuesday, the Georgian’s representative Levan Seturidze is in England to negotiate his client’s move to the King Power Stadium.
While Valencia’s long-term La Liga status hangs by a thread amid the club’s worst season in two decades, the 22-year-old Mamardashvili seems to be drawing plans for the future.
In stark contrast to Los Murcielagos’ abysmal domestic campaign, the former Dinamo Tbilisi man has been a rare shining light at Mestalla, growing into one of the best keepers in his second season in La Liga.
Mamardashvili’s impressive performances have naturally not gone unnoticed, with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, taking an interest in his services.
Strengthened by Todd Boehly’s unprecedented cash influx after acquiring the ownership of Chelsea last summer, the out-of-sorts Blues have also added the Georgian to their shortlist.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has enjoyed a renaissance at Stamford Bridge this season, but it seems insufficient to deter the West London outfit from pursuing other keepers.
Although Mamardashvili’s future seemingly lies in the Premier League, Stamford Bridge may not be his landing spot, with Leicester reportedly leading the race to capture his signature.
However, like Valencia, the Foxes have yet to secure top-flight survival and are closer to suffering relegation than ever after a 2-1 midweek defeat to Aston Villa left them in 19th place.
Not even the club’s decision to part with long-serving manager Brendan Rodgers in the wake of last weekend’s 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace has helped Leicester to bounce back.
They’ve been in the market for a new shot-stopper since Kasper Schmeichel moved to Nice last summer, but luring Mamardashvili to the Midlands will depend on their faltering relegation battle.
First-choice keeper Danny Ward has failed to live up to expectations, so it’s no wonder the Foxes are desperate to outmanoeuvre stiff Premier League competition to sign the Valencia rising star.
