Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Lopez Deal Close, Asmir Begovic to Everton Rumours

AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez is reportedly poised to become the new back-up option at Stamford Bridge following suggestions Chelsea will sign the Spaniard if Asmir Begovic moves to Everton this summer. 

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Lopez has already reached a settlement with the Rossoneri to terminate the final two years of his contract at the San Siro and is ready to join the Blues.

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Thibaut Courtois seems only too likely to retain his place as Chelsea's No. 1 under new manager Antonio Conte, but the question of who will play second choice to the Belgian is less clear, it seems.

Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri recently provided quotes from Lopez's agent, who confirmed west London looks a likely destination for his client:

The 34-year-old has slipped firmly behind 17-year-old goalkeeping sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma and made just nine appearances for the Rossoneri during the 2015-16 campaign.

However, podcaster Pete Acquaviva highlighted the potential sideways step in his career Lopez would be making should he move to Stamford bridge:

In any case, a deal appears to hinge on whether or not Bosnia and Herzegovina international Begovic decides a move to Everton is the next big step in his career.

Di Marzio translator David Amoyal recently pushed the notion that Lopez's arrival at Stamford Bridge is wholly reliant on Begovic leaving to free up space in Conte's squad:

Begovic had more fortune than Lopez last season and made 25 appearances for Chelsea while Courtois sat out some of the campaign due to injury.

Everton have room in between the posts after veteran Tim Howard left to join Major League Soccer outfit Colorado Rapids this summer, and manager Ronald Koeman will undoubtedly want a replacement.

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According to Calciomercato, Lopez already has personal terms agreed with Chelsea and will earn around €2 million (£1.7 million) per season with the Premier League giants.

Former Juventus chief Conte will assuredly be familiar with former Real Madrid stopper Lopez after his two-year spell in Serie A, and the Blues boss looks ready to put his faith in a more seasoned No. 2.