'Petrovic exit details emerge amid update on relationship with Chelsea'
Chelsea and Djordje Petrovic appear to have come to an agreement over the latter's future at Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 25-year-old has been in incredible form away from West London since departing on loan last summer, keeping 10 clean sheets in 31 appearances for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.
Back at Stamford Bridge, supporters were quickly becoming frustrated by the underperformance of Robert Sanchez, who was under considerable pressure throughout the 2024/25 season.
This would explain why AC Milan's Mike Maignan has emerged as a transfer target this summer, but a move has been made difficult by the two parties' difference in transfer values.
Fans were desperate for the return of their on-loan shot-stopper, so much so that Petrovic being left out of the Blues' Club World Cup squad left many wanting Enzo Maresca sacked this summer.
However, a new update on the goalkeeper has shed light on the situation heading into the tournament in the USA, and it is simpler than many might have expected.
Djordje Petrovic and Chelsea on good terms amid exit news
According to The Telegraph (11 June), Petrovic requested to be left out of the Blues' squad for the Club World Cup to focus on sealing a move away from Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper wants to be a guaranteed starter and is fielding interest from multiple Premier League clubs and Strasbourg, where he spent the 2024/25 season on loan.
Despite failing to break into Maresca's starting lineup, it is understood that the relationship between goalkeeper and club remains positive, with the latter understanding of Petrovic's position.
Both parties agreed that the player's time would be best served looking for a new club rather than travelling out to the USA, and Football Insider understands that Aston Villa are one of the clubs interested in Petrovic.
If he fails to secure a move, though, the talented shot-stopper will join the squad for pre-season with the 2024/25 Europa Conference League winners.
Enzo Maresca makes tough decisions ahead of Club World Cup
Football Insider verdict
Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, and Kendry Paez are all set to be left at home while Chelsea battle for the Club World Cup over in America.
Some of those players will have been a difficult choice, others not so much, especially Sterling, failing to make much of an impact during his loan with Arsenal despite being one of the most experienced players.
Maresca has an opportunity to build upon an incredible ending to the 2024/25 campaign for the Blues, having lifted silverware over in Poland after securing their spot in the Champions League for next term.
As part of that, finding a new goalkeeper could be crucial to the team's success, with the majority of supporters unable to relax with Sanchez between the sticks.
Even Kepa Arrizabalaga experienced a positive loan spell with Bournemouth, though the record-breaking Chelsea figure could now be joining Arsenal on a bargain fee this summer.
The number of goalkeepers at Stamford Bridge seems to be increasing by the week, but with Petrovic now clearly calling time on his stay with the Blues, it will be interesting to see where he turns up.