Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Getafe, Spain - August 15, 2022. Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak during the warm up before the match.
Tottenham Hotspur want to make an ‘ambitious’ bid for Atletico Madrid star goalkeeper Jan Oblak as a possible successor to Hugo Lloris, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Spurs hold Lloris plan?
Since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2012, Lloris has been a faithful and dependable servant between the sticks in N17, going on to make 436 appearances in all competitions.
However, the France number one appears to be nearing the end of his time as Spurs’ immovable starting goalkeeper, as reports suggest that Antonio Conte is eyeing a possible replacement for the next Premier League campaign.
Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier have been mooted as Fabio Paratici’s transfer targets for the role, but a new claim suggests that there is one big name also in the club’s sights.
The Latest: Spurs plot ‘ambitious’ Oblak offer…
Indeed, as per reports from Spain, it appears that Atletico mainstay Oblak is now on the agenda in north London.
One Spanish source states that, after being ‘chosen by Conte and Paratici’, the Slovenia international is the subject of heavy interest from Spurs, who want to make an ‘ambitious offer’ to sign the player – and one which will ‘undoubtedly make Atlético happy’.
Even though Oblak’s contract contains a mammoth release clause, it is believed that the La Liga side could begin transfer talks at a starting price of €30m (£26m), in the knowledge that their shot-stopper is eager to move.
The Verdict: Make the move?
Still just 29, the Atletico mainstay has been called a potential ‘statement‘ signing for Conte amid his previous links with Spurs.
Given just how long he has performed as a regular under Diego Simeone at the top level, it would be hard to argue with that assessment; and he could serve as a like-for-like replacement for Lloris not just in terms of ability, but also character.
For £26m or above, it could be a fairly astute financial move on Paratici’s part, but one small caveat could be Oblak’s reported £255,000-per-week wages.
About the Author
