Joe Hart's career has taken a turn for the worst in recent seasons.

Ever since the arrival of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, things just haven't been the same for a goalkeeper once considered amongst the best in the world.

At the time, Hart being forced out of the Etihad Stadium seemed a harsh decision and the performances of Claudio Bravo seemed to add substance to the argument.

Fast forward to 2018, though, and it seems bizarre that Hart technically remains a City player.

Hart endured a torrid campaign at Euro 2016, waded through a distinctly mediocre loan spell with Torino before spending a season with West Ham that could hardly have gone worse.

Joe Hart's career in limbo

His performances with the Hammers saw him fall from the number one ranking at the club and ensured he missed out on an England tournament for the first time in ten years.

Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and even Burnley's Nick Pope were all picked above the 31-year-old.

We're sure you'll agree that it leaves a pretty bleak outlook for Hart's career and there have been several reports suggesting City will struggle to find a suitor for him this summer.

Potential shock move for Hart 

On the other hand, there have also been rumours linking Hart to anywhere from Southampton to Wolverhampton Wanderers and as far afield as Nice.

However, the potential goalkeeper transfer merry-go-round that has been kick-started by Alisson Becker's move to Liverpool, may have given him the unlikeliest of escape routes.

That's because, according to The Sun, Hart has sensationally made his way onto Chelsea's short-list of Thibaut Courtois replacements in a possible £5 million deal.

With the Belgian shot stopper on the brink of a move to Real Madrid, Hart is high up on Chelsea's list of targets and Maurizio Sarri is believed to be an admirer.

Chelsea are fond of the idea because of the player's small price tag and the boost he would give to the club's list of homegrown players.

Nevertheless, they are acutely aware of the potential backlash from supporters who saw Hart struggle so badly during his season with West Ham.

For Hart himself, though, it proves an unbelievable opportunity for him to turn around his career.

With Chelsea having lost out on Alisson, unlikely to sign Kasper Schmeichel and pondering a Petr Cech reunion, there's reason to suggest they could settle upon Hart.

However, it must be imagined that Chelsea would then pursue a world-class option between the sticks such as Gianluigi Donnarumma either during this transfer window or the next.

Although Premier League fans know what Hart can deliver on his day, he hasn't proven himself to be in same league as Courtois for sometime now.

For Chelsea fans, if nothing else, the situation represents just how costly losing Courtois could really be.

Who do you think Chelsea should replace Courtois with this summer? Have your say in the comments section below.