The Blues are reportedly ready to let Petr Cech leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season in search of first-team football, with Thibaut Courtois Jose Mourinho's undisputed number one.
But after letting 42-year-old Mark Schwarzer depart for Leicester in January, a move for Friedel, 43, is on the cards.
The American stopper is on a shortlist drawn up by Chelsea that also includes QPR's Rob Green, Celtic's Craig Gordon and Norwich's John Ruddy.
Alex McCarthy could usurp Green as first-choice at QPR next season, while Ruddy would be interested in a return to the Premier League if Norwich don't manage promotion from the Championship.
Petr Cech Player Profile
Chelsea are preparing to replace Petr Cech
Gordon, meanwhile, became the most expensive British goalkeeper in history when Sunderland spent £9million on the Scottish international in 2007.
But injuries curtailed his time at the Stadium of Light and he is now rebuilding his reputation at Celtic.
Aston Villa's Shay Given is also mentioned as a possible target and it is thought that, like Friedel, the player's availability on a free transfer could work in his favour.
Chelsea also have 21-year-old youth product Jamal Blackman in their squad but the youngster is yet to make his first-team debut.
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