Manchester City Nears Signing Chelsea Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli

Manchester City is set to sign veteran English goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, replacing long-serving backup Scott Carson who is departing the club. Bettinelli, 33, has had limited playing time at Chelsea with just one appearance in four years, but brings extensive experience from his stints at Fulham, Accrington Stanley, Middlesbrough, and Chelsea. The transfer, confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, is expected to be finalized soon and will see Bettinelli serve as Manchester City's third-choice goalkeeper behind Ederson and Stefan Ortega. This move comes as Chelsea is preparing to bring in AC Milan's Mike Maignan, making Bettinelli surplus to requirements. Manchester City has also been active in the transfer market, recently signing defender Rayan Ait-Nouri and closing in on Lyon's Ryan Cherki. Bettinelli's signing is seen as a strategic low-cost acquisition primarily for squad depth and locker-room presence during a busy season for City.