Chelsea could offer Kepa Arrizabalaga and cash for Jan Oblak
According to the Mirror, Chelsea have identified Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak as their number one target this summer.
The Slovenian is among the finest players in his position and has consistently emerged as a match-winner for Diego Simeone’s side.
The 27-year-old joined the Spanish giants as a replacement for then Chelsea-bound keeper Thibaut Courtois. Oblak has more than repaid the faith put in him.
The same cannot be said for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was brought to Chelsea for a world-record fee.
The Spaniard has struggled for form and was even dropped in favour of 38-year-old backup keeper Willy Caballero. His time at Stamford Bridge looks to be coming to an end as Chelsea line up replacements.
The 27-year-old Oblak, who is regarded to many to be the best in the business is a proven talent at the top level. He has conceded just 173 goals in 254 matches for Atletico and has kept an impressive 138 clean sheets. The fact that he averages 0.68 goals conceded per match is truly staggering.
Oblak’s contract at the Wanda Metropolitano runs till 2023 and has a £120m buy-out clause. Chelsea hope to add Kepa as part of the deal to make it more feasible.
A player who speaks English among four other languages, the Slovenian should have no problems adapting to life in England.
According to the report, Atletico would not want to sell him. However, the global pandemic could leave them tempted by a massive offer, especially if they are also getting a replacement in Kepa.
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It is clear that Kepa and Chelsea are not a good fit. A good shot-stopper, the Spaniard has not been able to repay the faith put in him by the club.
Rather than persist and keep hoping for the best, we will have to make a proactive change and cut our losses. It is difficult to see a goalkeeper who can match Oblak and can also be bought. He could very well turn out to be the best business we will do this summer.
