AFC Bournemouth have emerged as a strong contender in the race to sign Chelsea’s talented Serbian goalkeeper, Djorde Petrovic, according to reports from The Times cited by Matt Law.
Bournemouth have approached Chelsea over goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. Deal not yet agreed and Chelsea will demand £25million. Sunderland, Strasbourg and others have also shown interest #cfc
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 8, 2025
The 25-year-old shot-stopper, who impressed during a loan spell at RC Strasbourg in the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, is attracting significant interest from multiple Premier League clubs, including Sunderland and Aston Villa, as well as other European sides. As Bournemouth look to bolster their squad for the upcoming season, Petrovic represents a potential coup for the Cherries, who are seeking a reliable replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Petrovic’s Rise to Prominence
Djorde Petrovic’s journey to becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after goalkeepers has been remarkable. After making a name for himself in Major League Soccer with the New England Revolution, Petrovic secured a £14 million move to Chelsea in August 2023. During the 2023/24 Premier League season, he made 23 appearances for the Blues, showcasing his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. However, with competition from Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen at Stamford Bridge, Petrovic was loaned to Strasbourg for the 2024/25 season, where he excelled, earning the club’s Player of the Year award and helping them contend for a Champions League spot.
Despite his impressive performances, Petrovic’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain. Reports indicate that he requested to be omitted from Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad in June 2025 to focus on securing a permanent move elsewhere, a decision driven by his desire to be a guaranteed first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This development has opened the door for clubs like Bournemouth to pursue the Serbian international.
Bournemouth’s Goalkeeping Conundrum
Bournemouth’s interest in Petrovic comes at a critical juncture for the club. With Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan from Chelsea concluding, the Cherries are in the market for a new number one goalkeeper. Petrovic’s proven track record in both the Premier League and Ligue 1 makes him an attractive option for Bournemouth, who are looking to solidify their defensive unit as they aim to compete in the top half of the Premier League table.
According to Matt Law, Bournemouth are among several clubs monitoring Petrovic’s situation, with the Cherries reportedly stepping in to match an offer from Sunderland, who were close to finalizing a €25 million deal for the goalkeeper. The competition for Petrovic’s signature is fierce, with Aston Villa also keeping tabs on him amid uncertainty over their current number one, Emiliano Martinez. However, Bournemouth’s swift move to enter the race underscores their ambition under manager Andoni Iraola, who has guided the club to a respectable position since their promotion.
Why Petrovic Fits Bournemouth’s Ambitions
Petrovic’s skill set aligns well with Bournemouth’s playing style. Known for his quick reflexes, strong distribution, and ability to command his area, Petrovic could provide the stability and leadership needed in Bournemouth’s backline. His experience in high-stakes matches, both at Chelsea and Strasbourg, suggests he is ready to step into a starting role at a club like Bournemouth, where he would likely be the undisputed number one.
Moreover, Petrovic’s age and potential for further growth make him a long-term investment. At 25, he is entering his prime years as a goalkeeper, and his international experience with Serbia adds to his pedigree. Bournemouth’s reported willingness to compete with Sunderland’s €25-30 million offer, including add-ons, demonstrates their commitment to securing a player who could be a cornerstone of their squad for years to come.
One year ago today, Djordje Petrovic signed for the club 🧤💙pic.twitter.com/2OlKwrsSv8
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) August 25, 2024
What This Means for Bournemouth
Landing Petrovic would be a statement of intent from Bournemouth, signalling their ambition to compete with established Premier League sides. The Cherries have already shown their willingness to invest in quality players, and Petrovic’s arrival could elevate their squad to new heights. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different leagues makes him a low-risk signing with significant upside.
However, Bournemouth will need to act swiftly to fend off competition from Sunderland, Aston Villa, and other European clubs. The Cherries’ ability to convince Petrovic that he will be their undisputed number one could be the deciding factor, especially given his desire for regular playing time ahead of the World Cup.
