Chelsea and Newcastle United transfer tussle – 28, pressure builds, one of best in Europe

Chelsea and Newcastle United are in the mix to sign Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in a summer transfer. 

The Switzerland international’s rise at the Bundesliga side hasn’t gone unnoticed as the Blues already showed interest last summer.

In April 2025, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany that Chelsea are serious about him.

Two months later, the stopper said his love for BVB fans convinced him to stay despite the west London club’s interest.

At that time, he said: “Everyone knows that I feel extremely comfortable in Dortmund. I love the fans, the stadium, the club, and the atmosphere. Everyone knows that and sees it when I’m on the pitch. I really appreciate that.”

Chelsea and Newcastle United target Kobel transfer

Fast forward to March and the 28-year-old is back on Liam Rosenior’s side’s agenda and this time, Newcastle United have joined them in the transfer chase.

That’s according to Foot Mercato, who cover Chelsea and the Magpies’ interest in Gregor Kobel.

The English clubs are ‘tracking’ the stopper and could tussle to bring him to the Premier League in the summer.

As well as the Blues and the Eddie Howe’s side, Bayern Munich are also in the mix. The Bavarian club are thinking about the Borussia Dortmund star as a replacement for 40-year-old Manuel Neuer.

The Swiss left VfB Stuttgart and move to the Signal Iduna Park in 2021 and has been the No.1 since then. Since joining BVB, he has been a top tier stopper in Europe which has seen him attract interest.

Foot Mercato, who make it clear it’s their own information, report Kobel could ‘take the next step’ in his career after this season. Whether that’ll be a move to England or Bayern Munich needs to be seen.

His Bundesliga stats this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 27
• Starts: 27
• Goals conceded: 28
• Clean sheets: 12

Transfermarkt value him at €40m. With a contract until 2028, the German club are likely to demand more than his current valuation. Without a renewal, transfer pressure will build in the summer.

Foot Mercato herald him as one of the leading goalkeepers in Europe.

Could improve Chelsea and Newcastle United

The Blues have Robert Sánchez, Filip Jørgensen and Gabriel Slonina as the three stoppers at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard lost his place in the starting lineup to Jørgensen earlier in the season before regaining his place.

Both goalkeepers haven’t fully convinced Chelsea, who could look at Gregor Kobel. This may be possible if Mike Penders or Đorđe Petrović [both out on loan] won’t be considered.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale and Mark Gillespie at his disposal at St James’ Park. The former’s contract expires in 2027 while the latter two have until this June.

Pope’s mixed performances saw the Newcastle United coach rely upon Ramsdale, who is on loan from Southampton.

Taking the trio’s situation into account, the Borussia Dortmund star could easily become the Magpies’ new No.1 next season.