Atletico Madrid have dealt Chelsea a blow in their hunt to sign one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
The Blues are eyeing up a move for Jan Oblak this summer as they look to strengthen their options in defence. However, the West London club were hoping to bargain a player-plus-cash deal for the Slovenian, seeing Kepa Arrizabalaga move in the opposite direction.
[freshpress-poll id=”309380″]
According to the Daily Mail, the La Liga outfit do not see the Spaniard’s worth making a dent in Oblak’s mammoth £110million asking price. As such, it’s likely Chelsea must either pay the amount in full or offer someone of much higher calibre if they are to continue with a swap deal.
Oblak has been with Atletico Madrid for six years after joining from Benfica in 2014. The shot-stopper signed his first deal at just 21-years-old and has become an integral figure at the club.
He penned a new deal with the Spanish outfit just last year, which ties him to the club until 2023. The extension has raised Oblak’s release clause, and with Atletico under no pressure to sell, there will likely be no wiggle room for any interested parties.
[freshpress-quiz id=”307708″]
Kepa has seemingly lost the faith of Frank Lampard who is looking to move him on sooner rather than later. The 25-year-old was dropped in favour of Willy Caballero before the break after a run of poor performances.
Do you think Chelsea will sign Jan Oblak this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
