Caballero heads for the Bridge on a free
WILLY CABALLERO has been snapped up on a free transfer by Chelsea.
The 35-year-old keeper ( left) was available after being released by Manchester City at the end of last season.
He becomes the third top-class keeper available to the champions’ manager, Antonio Conte.
Already on the books at Stamford Bridge is firstchoice Thibaut Courtois, with 34-year-old Portugal internationalist, Eduardo, also an option.
The club were in the market for a new goalkeeper after selling back-up Asmir Begovic to Bournemouth in May.
Caballero joined City in 2014, following stints at Malaga and Elche in Spain, and with Boca Juniors in his homeland.
The Argentinian said: “I am very happy to join Chelsea. I am looking forward to meeting the guys and helping the club achieve more success in the coming season.”
Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said: “We are very happy to have Willy on board.
“He knows the Premier League and is tried and tested at the top of the game.”
CHELSEA have announced the signing of goalkeeper Willy Caballero.
The 35-year-old Argentinian was available as a free agent after being released by Manchester City at the end of last season.
Premier League champions Chelsea were in the market for a new goalkeeper after selling back-up Asmi rB ego vic to Bournemouth in May.
Caballero, who joined City in 2014 following stints at Malaga and Elche in Spain and with Boca Juniors in his homeland, said: “I am very happy to join Chelsea, the champions of England.
“I am looking forward to meeting the guys and helping the club achieve more success in the coming season.”
The South American veteran will provide competition to first-choice Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge, with 34-year-old Portugal international Eduardo also an option for coach Antonio Conte.
Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said: “We are very happy to have Willy on board. He knows the Premier League and is tried and tested at the top of the game.
“We have three experienced goalkeepers and we look forward to welcoming him to the club when the squad returns to pre- season training.”
Caballero’s signing follows on from Exeter City’s announcement on Saturday morning that Chelsea had won the race for their highly-rated teenager Ethan Ampadu.
Exeter said the 16- year- old, who trained with the senior Wales squad ahead of Euro 2016, had signed a deal with the Blues after deciding to leave St James Park.
The Sky Bet League Two club will not receive a transfer fee as Ampadu had yet to sign scholarship forms but the Grecians are entitled to compensation for their academy product.
In a statement, Exeter said they hope a fee can be agreed with Chelsea for the Wales Under-19 defender without the need to go to a tribunal.
Ampadu became Exeter’s youngest debutant, beating Cliff Bastin’s long-standing record, after being given his bow in last season’s League Cup match against Brentford aged 15 years, 10 months and 26 days, and he went on to make 13 appearances for the first team.
Exeter manager Paul Tisdale said: “Everyone at Exeter City fully supports Ethan’s decision to sign for Chelsea.
“He had many options available to him and has decided that Chelsea provides him with the best opportunity to develop the next step of his career. We wish him the very best.’’
Meanwhile, veteran striker Jermain Defoe admits his decision to complete a “dream” return to Bournemouth was all but made when his mum Sandra gave her approval to the move.
The 34- year- old enjoyed a prolific loan spell with the Cherries as a teenager – scoring 10 goals in as many games, which still stands as a club record.
In all, he hit 19 goals during the 2001- 02 season at a time when Bournemouth were in the third tier of English football.
England international Defoe has since gone on to enjoy a stellar career with the likes of West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland – the club he left this summer.
The Cherries, meanwhile, have blossomed under Eddie Howe and are preparing for their third successive season in the Premier League.
Defoe and his family have kept an eye on Bournemouth’s progress over the years – including in 2009 when they nearly dropped out of the Football League – and he is delighted to be back.