Jan Oblak is reportedly being lined up as the contingency plan should Chelsea end up losing current number 1, Thibaut Courtois, to Real Madrid.
Despite his return to form this season, rumours linking Thibaut Courtois with a Chelsea departure continue to swirl. The latest reports claim that the Blues now have a contingency plan. Ateltico Madrid goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, is the chosen one should the Belgian move to Real Madrid.
Goal claims that the injured Slovenian is Antonio Conte’s first choice should Chelsea be unable to keep Courtois in West London.
"Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Thibaut Courtois this summer and Chelsea are preparing for the worst by showing an interest in Ateltico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, Goal understands…Oblak will be a costly replacement for Courtois after he signed a new deal in February which includes a €100 million release clause. Atletico could make a big profit on Oblak, who was signed from Benfica in a €16 million deal in 2014 after Courtois returned to Chelsea."
Oblak has heavily impressed since joining Atletico madrid in the summer of 2014. He was initially forced to prove himself, battling with Miguel Angel Moya for the starting role. After making only 21 competitive appearances in his first season, he came into his own during the 2015/16 campaign.
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The Slovenian appeared over 50 times for Atletico last season, being a significant factor in their run to the Champions League final. Additionally, he picked up the gong for best La Liga goalkeeper. Having paid just over £10 million for him, Atletico recognised an opportunity and tied him down for the long run earlier this year.
As a result, Oblak will not come cheap but with Real Madrid likely to splash the cash on Courtois, Chelsea should prioritise the Slovenian’s signature.
Of course, Courtois may turn around and rule out any move in the summer. Should that happen, all this speculation can be rendered irrelevant. However, the Belgian has openly toyed with a Madrid move before and it would not come as a surprise.
Any great football team has a rock between the sticks. It’s all well and good to have a solid defence, but if the goalkeeper cannot save the one effort that makes it way through, those tight contests may not end up in your favour.
Oblak, at the age of 24, has already proven himself to be one of the finest goalkeeping talents on the continent. Furthermore, he has a long career ahead of him. Oblak could be that Petr Cech replacement Chelsea have so desperately craved.
However, the same used to be said about Courtois…What do you think? Is Jan Oblak the right man to fill the void if Courtois leaves? Let us know in the comments below!