Chelsea & Man City eyeing €35m Serie A contract rebel ahead of potential transfer

As the summer transfer window approaches, the football world is abuzz with speculation and rumors about possible moves and tactical reshuffles across Europe’s top clubs. One name steadily climbing the radar is Mile Svilar, AS Roma’s 25-year-old Serbian goalkeeper, who is now reportedly being pursued by top-tier clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, and even Monaco. With Roma struggling to lock him down with a new deal, speculation intensifies, and rightly so—Svilar’s journey, form, and potential make him one of the most intriguing goalkeeping prospects of the 2025 transfer season.

Born in Antwerp, Belgium, to a footballing family—his father, Ratko Svilar, was also a goalkeeper—Mile Svilar seemed destined for the role from the outset. He began his career in the famed youth system at RSC Anderlecht, where his performances quickly marked him out as a standout talent. However, with limited first-team opportunities at the Belgian club, he made a bold move to Benfica in 2017 at just 18 years old.

It was in Portugal where he made history, becoming the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in the UEFA Champions League surpassing the likes of Iker Casillas. That debut against Manchester United was memorable—he saved a penalty but also scored an own goal, a microcosm of a young goalkeeper still learning on the biggest stage.

At Roma, Svilar initially found himself as a backup to Rui Patrício, the seasoned Portuguese international. But with Patrício’s form waning and Roma struggling with consistency between the sticks, Svilar seized his opportunity in cup and European matches. His standout moment came during the Europa League tie against Feyenoord where his performance in the penalty shootout—including two crucial saves—helped Roma advance in dramatic fashion.

From that point, Svilar earned the trust of both the fans and the management, becoming a more regular presence in the starting eleven. His commanding presence, strong shot-stopping ability, and improved distribution made him a reliable last line of defense for José Mourinho’s side. Now with the No.1 shirt seemingly his, the focus has shifted to his future—and whether it will remain in Rome.

Roma’s management has been eager to reward Svilar with a new contract, hoping to secure the young goalkeeper’s future in the Italian capital. However, negotiations have stalled. According to sources close to the situation, Svilar is not satisfied with Roma’s most recent offer, which is believed to be around €1.6 million per year. In contrast, the goalkeeper is reportedly looking for a salary closer to €4 million, commensurate with his new role as the club’s starting keeper and the level of interest from abroad. This impasse has not gone unnoticed. Several top clubs across Europe are now preparing to test Roma’s resolve, with bids in the region of €35 million likely to be enough to force a decision.

One of the most prominent clubs linked with Svilar is Chelsea FC. The West London club is undergoing a transitional period under a new management setup, and one of the pressing issues is in goal. Despite signing **Robert Sánchez** from Brighton, the Spanish international has yet to fully convince at Stamford Bridge. His form has been erratic, and confidence among fans and analysts is wavering.

Chelsea has a proud lineage of world-class goalkeepers—from Petr Čech to Thibaut Courtois—and there’s a strong desire to restore that level of excellence. Svilar, with his growing reputation and impressive stats in Serie A and European competition, fits the profile of a modern keeper capable of commanding the box, initiating attacks from the back, and thriving under pressure. Reports suggest that Chelsea scouts have been following Svilar closely and could be preparing a bid to bring him to the Premier League this summer.

Manchester City is another club reportedly monitoring Svilar’s situation. While City has had one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Ederson, there are murmurs that the Brazilian’s form has dipped, and with Guardiola’s eye always on long-term squad evolution, a shake-up in the goalkeeping department is not off the table.

Guardiola is known for appreciating goalkeepers who can play with their feet, initiate plays, and act almost as an extra defender—a “sweeper-keeper” role that Ederson has perfected at times. Svilar has shown glimpses of that ability, although he may still need some polish in his distribution to meet City’s tactical demands.

Still, as a backup with the potential to take over in the near future—or as a successor should Ederson move on—Svilar could be a strategic acquisition for the reigning English champions

Besides the Premier League giants, Bayern Munich and Monaco are reportedly eyeing Svilar. Bayern sees him as a long-term option, possibly as the heir to  Manuel Neuer, whose age and recent injuries have forced the club to think about the next generation.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United, under their ambitious ownership and looking to reinforce every part of the squad, are keen to secure a strong, young goalkeeper who can grow with the project. Svilar’s age and profile align with Newcastle’s recruitment philosophy.

Even  Fenerbahçe  from Turkey has entered the conversation, viewing Svilar as a marquee signing who could bolster their domestic and European campaigns.

Roma is at a crossroads. On one hand, letting go of a rising star just when he’s hitting his stride would be a major setback. On the other, €35 million is a significant sum, especially for a club that operates under more modest financial constraints compared to some of Europe’s wealthier teams.

If they can’t agree to new terms, Roma may opt to sell Svilar now rather than risk letting the situation drag into a distraction or lose him later for less. The club could use the funds to invest in other areas—perhaps a forward or midfield reinforcements.

Analytically, Svilar has a lot to offer. His save percentage in Serie A this season has been among the highest, and his ability to read penalties has turned him into something of a specialist in shootouts. His confidence, athleticism, and mental toughness have all matured significantly since his teenage years.

However, he’s not without areas to improve. His footwork under pressure and occasional decision-making lapses need refining, especially if he’s to adapt to teams with high defensive lines like City or Chelsea.

But the raw talent is undeniable, and at just 25, he’s still years away from hitting his peak as a goalkeeper

Svilar’s story is part of a broader shift in European football, where many top clubs are rethinking their goalkeeping setups. Veterans like Neuer, Keylor Navas, and Hugo Lloris are entering the twilight of their careers. Meanwhile, younger keepers like Svilar, Diogo Costa, and Illan Meslier are stepping into the spotlight.

Goalkeepers are no longer just shot-stoppers—they’re integral to build-up play, transitions, and even counter-pressing systems. Clubs are looking for athleticism, ball-playing ability, and mental composure. Svilar is uniquely positioned at the intersection of these evolving demands.

Mile Svilar’s future will likely be one of the key narratives of the 2025 summer transfer window. Roma will do everything they can to keep him, but financial realities and the goalkeeper’s ambitions might pave the way for a move. Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and others are all in the mix, ready to invest in one of Europe’s most promising shot-stoppers.

For Svilar, the next few months will be defining. Will he become the next great Serie A goalkeeper to transition into a global superstar at a bigger club? Or will Roma succeed in making him the face of their rebuild? Either way, football fans around the world will be watching closely