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According to a report by The Chelsea Chronicle on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, Bournemouth and Everton are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders following his recent Premier League debut for the Blues.
The 21-year-old Belgian made his first appearance in England’s top flight during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton last Saturday after Emiliano Martínez suffered a fractured jaw. The injury is expected to keep the experienced goalkeeper out of action for approximately 45 to 60 days, potentially giving Penders an extended opportunity to feature in the first team.
Penders is now expected to start when Chelsea take on Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. The upcoming fixture could provide an important opportunity for the youngster to demonstrate his abilities and convince head coach Xabi Alonso that he deserves a more prominent role in the squad.
According to Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, all four Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation surrounding the Belgian goalkeeper. However, their reported interest does not necessarily mean Chelsea are willing to consider offers for his services.
The Blues reportedly regard Penders as an important part of their long-term goalkeeping plans and are unlikely to sanction a permanent departure during the January transfer window. His potential, combined with the need to maintain sufficient depth between the posts, could make him a valuable asset for the club.
Penders also gained useful experience during his time with Strasbourg in France before returning to Chelsea. That spell allowed him to develop his game and gain exposure to senior football, helping to strengthen his reputation as one of the club’s promising young goalkeepers.
Alonso will also be keen to maintain adequate cover in the goalkeeping department while Martínez recovers. With the Blues facing a demanding schedule across multiple competitions, allowing another goalkeeper to leave could create unnecessary problems if further injuries occur.
The coming weeks could therefore prove decisive for Penders. Regular first-team opportunities would allow him to showcase his shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area and composure under pressure. Strong performances could also increase competition for the starting position once Martínez returns to fitness.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly considering a separate move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott ahead of January. Bournemouth had previously been reluctant to part with the midfielder but are now believed to be more open to the possibility of a transfer.
For the time being, Chelsea are expected to focus on retaining Penders rather than approving a permanent exit. Although Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth and Everton are reportedly tracking his progress, his performances during Martínez’s absence could have a major influence on his future at Stamford Bridge.