Chelsea’s interest in a new goalkeeper has attracted varying levels of realism from the media. Keeping hold of the struggling Kepa Arrizabalaga looks realistic, Ajax’s pursuit of André Onana is still plausible, but a move for Manchester United’s Dan Henderson would be difficult and unlikely.
However, if you want to go to the next level of insanity/commitment, how about a player plus cash deal for Atlético Madrid’s Jan Oblak?
?⚪️? Jan Oblak against Leverkusen? A throwback to that sensational triple save in 2017? #UCL | @atletienglish pic.twitter.com/y2LRB9Nqz1
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 22, 2019
The Mirror reports that Chelsea have made Oblak – arguably the best keeper in the world – their top goalkeeping target this summer as the Slovenia international is the perfect man to solve their defensive woes. See as
Frank Lampard probably sees Oblak as a dream replacement (you know, because he’s really, really good), but whether or not it’s possible to sign him is an entirely different matter.
Oblak, whose decision to reject Chelsea led them to sign Arrizabalaga in the first place, signed a new deal last year that runs until 2023 and includes a €120m (£109m) release clause. But Chelsea are said to be worth less than £100m for the 27-year-old and are expected to largely finance the move by offering Arrizabalaga in return.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has yet to really impress at Stamford Bridge/Pool/Getty Images
So, Chelsea want to pay less than Atlético is worth for Oblak, and they want Los Rojiblancos to agree to swap the best player in the world for someone who is just two years younger and at that level. Is there anywhere near?
In the first season, there might be something to it. Atlético were struggling in La Liga and looked like missing out on Champions League football, which would have forced Oblak to the exit door. However, they have turned things around, have already finished fourth and could even finish third.
Oblak is seen by many as the best around / Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
There is no need for Oblak to leave Atletico, and Diego Simeone would go ballistic if their star player was swapped for the struggling Arrizabalaga, especially if Chelsea only offered a small fee in return. be
Chelsea’s goalkeeper move will likely come down to money. With big moves for Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Declan Rice all on the to-do list, finding that extra hefty sum to throw at Atlético seems a little unlikely to convince them.
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