Chelsea want to sign a new goalkeeper before the 2020-21 season kicks off and Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak has been heavily linked with the Blues during the past couple of weeks.
Oblak is easily one of the best keepers in world football right now and getting him in front of goal will be a real statement of intent from Frank Lampard in a bid to win the Premier League next season.
But in a recent interview, Diego Simeone had made it clear that Jan Oblak is one of his best players and the club are confident of holding onto him beyond the summer.
“It does not surprise me, every year our most important players are wanted by the best in the world,” the Atletico boss told the media, as per Goal.
“It is normal to always look for the best – and we have many. Some have left and others have stayed.
“It is logical and normal that anyone wants Oblak. He is our captain and an important player. I hope we can count on his work, which is enormous for Atleti.”
Now as per a report in the Goal, Jan Oblak is available for sale but it will be a real struggle for Chelsea to bring him on board.
The report claims: “The Blues are keeping their options open about signing a goalkeeper this summer but one of the world’s best won’t come with any discount.
“Chelsea will have to pay Jan Oblak’s €120 million (£110m/$137.5m) release clause to force contract talks with the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper.
“It remains unclear whether the 27-year-old would be ready to leave Atletico this summer, with manager Diego Simeone ready to block the exit of the Slovenia international in most circumstances.
“However, the relationship between Chelsea and Atleti is good, having seen the transfers of Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata and Thibaut Courtois conducted between clubs in recent seasons.”
This great news for the Chelsea manager but spending so much money on one single player will be a real issue for their management, especially after they have already brought in players like Ziyech and Timo Werner.
Yes, they do have money to spare but they can only be brave enough to try and sign Jan Oblak is if they can manage to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga for a hefty price in the summer.
