Bayer Leverkusen are ready to spend “a lot of money” to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, a report in Germany has claimed.

Despite impressing last season under Mauricio Pochettino, Petrovic was sent out on loan to sister side Strasbourg during the summer when new manager Enzo Maresca named Robert Sanchez as his preferred goalkeeper.

While Sanchez and newly signed understudy Filip Jorgensen have endured mixed campaigns, Petrovic has excelled with Strasbourg. The 25-year-old boasts a save percentage higher than either of Chelsea’s senior stoppers (80.1%) and is a candidate to win Ligue 1’s Goalkeeper of the Year award this season.

Petrovic will return to Chelsea in the summer and is expected to be part of a significant goalkeeper reshuffle. The Blues will have seven stoppers on the books when Kepa Arrizabalaga returns from his own loan with Bournemouth and 19-year-old Mike Penders finalises a £17m arrival from Genk.

It is thought that Petrovic stands a chance of forcing himself into Maresca’s thinking for next season, but kicker states there are several clubs who have taken a liking to the Serbia international, who is Leverkusen’s top priority to reinforce in goal.

Just how much Petrovic could cost is unclear but Leverkusen are said to be ready to commit significant funds to his signing in an attempt to convince Chelsea to sell.

If Petrovic returns to the Chelsea squad, that would likely spark a departure for either Sanchez or Jorgensen. The popular Marcus Bettinelli will remain as the third-choice option.

Offers will be entertained for Kepa, who could remain with Bournemouth beyond this season if Real Madrid do not act on their re-emerging interest. Penders is expected to depart on loan and United States international Gabriel Slonina, a £12m signing in 2022, will also be made available for a temporary switch.

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