Chelsea has signed free agent Marcus Bettinelli to a two-year contract, bolstering their goalkeeping ranks.
After the Blues released Willy Caballero at the end of his contract, the 29-year-old will give competition for No. 1 Edouard Mendy and back-up Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Bettinelli, who will add to Chelsea's home-grown talent, was set to join Thomas Tuchel's side after rejecting down offers from Aston Villa, according to Sportsmail.
Bettinelli's contract with Fulham expired in June, and he left the club. Last season, the goalkeeper was on loan at Middlesbrough, where he played a significant role in Neil Warnock's team's failure to qualify for the play-offs.
The shot-stopper, who was photographed signing his deal alongside Petr Cech, claimed it has always been his 'dream' to play at Stamford Bridge.
He told Chelsea's official website, 'It's always been a great club.'
'I'm familiar with the neighborhood, so coming over to this side has long been a dream of mine, and it's now come true.'
There were some discussions a few years ago when I was younger, but for whatever reason, they never materialized, but I'm here now.
‘I'm incredibly happy to be a part of it, and I'm looking forward to impressing and assisting the team in any way I can.'
Gareth Southgate brought Bettinelli into the England squad for the 2017-2018 season after a string of outstanding performances for Fulham.
However, his international prospects were dashed when the team was relegated to the Championship, and he has not been a member of the squad since.
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