Chelsea make approach for Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar as Xabi Alonso eyes major upgrade

Chelsea have reportedly intensified their search for a new goalkeeper by making an approach for Roma star Mile Svilar.

The Serbia international has emerged as one of Serie A's most reliable goalkeepers over the last two seasons and is now attracting serious interest from Stamford Bridge. Reports in Italy suggest intermediaries acting on Chelsea's behalf have already contacted Roma to explore the conditions of a potential transfer.

However, the Italian club have made their position abundantly clear.

According to reports from Italy, Chelsea have identified Svilar as a leading candidate to strengthen a position that remains a concern heading into the 2026/27 campaign.

The Blues are understood to be willing to invest heavily in a new first-choice goalkeeper, with figures of up to €50 million reportedly discussed during initial contacts.

The interest is said to have the backing of manager Xabi Alonso, who wants greater reliability and consistency between the posts as he begins shaping his Chelsea squad.

Intermediaries reportedly approached Roma to assess whether a deal could be possible this summer.

The response was emphatic.

Roma have informed Chelsea that Svilar is viewed as one of the club's most important players and that replacing him would be considerably more difficult than replacing other members of the squad.

The interest is easy to understand.

Svilar has developed into one of the most complete goalkeepers in Italy, combining strong shot-stopping ability with excellent distribution and confidence when playing outside his penalty area.

His performances have helped establish him as a leader within the Roma dressing room and one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Having followed Roma closely in recent seasons, few goalkeepers in Serie A have displayed the same level of consistency. Mistakes have been rare, while his command of the penalty area has become a major strength.

For a Chelsea side still seeking stability in goal, those qualities make him an attractive target.

Chelsea are expected to continue assessing goalkeeping options throughout the summer, with Svilar remaining one of the most admired candidates on their shortlist.

Roma's financial situation will be closely monitored over the coming weeks, particularly as the club seek to balance their accounts before the end-of-June deadline. If player sales become unavoidable, Chelsea may yet receive encouragement to return with a formal proposal.

For now, Roma have shut the door, but the transfer window is still young and circumstances can change quickly.

Would Mile Svilar be the goalkeeper Chelsea have been searching for, or should the Blues pursue alternative targets this summer?