Chelsea are reportedly exploring a sensational loan move for Marc-André ter Stegen, with the Barcelona goalkeeper said to be open to a change after nearly a decade as the Catalans’ undisputed No. 1.

The 33-year-old German has found himself unexpectedly marginalised following Barça’s decision to invest €25 million in Joan García, the former Espanyol star whose rise has prompted a recalibration of the goalkeeping hierarchy at the Camp Nou.

The move has created internal friction, with Ter Stegen understood to be livid at the implied message, that his era could be drawing to a close.

Chelsea interested in Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen

With uncertainty lingering over Robert Sánchez’s long-term status at Stamford Bridge, Sky Sport claims Chelsea are weighing a short-term deal to bring elite experience and leadership back between the sticks.

Chelsea’s interest is rooted in necessity and opportunity. Since Édouard Mendy departed, the Blues have searched for a calming, authoritative presence to stabilise a young back line.

In a Premier League landscape where pressing traps are ruthless, a confident, technically secure goalkeeper can transform a team’s first phase and Ter Stegen is the ideal player who can provide that at Chelsea.

It provides immediate quality without a long, expensive commitment, while allowing the club...