CHELSEA are reportedly preparing an offer for a player-plus-cash swap deal for Atletico Madrid’s star goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The Blues’ proposed offer includes a swap for out-of-favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga plus £25million – claims El Chiringuito TV – as the West London outfit attempts to lure the Slovenian international away from the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico’s […]
CHELSEA are reportedly preparing an offer for a player-plus-cash swap deal for Atletico Madrid’s star goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The Blues’ proposed offer includes a swap for out-of-favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga plus £25million – claims El Chiringuito TV – as the West London outfit attempts to lure the Slovenian international away from the Metropolitano Stadium.
Atletico’s Oblak, 27, is among Europe’s finest goalkeepers winning LaLiga Best Goalkeeper award four years running between 2016 and 2019.
Kepa, 25, who has struggled this season under new boss Frank Lampard, has been left out of the starting XI in the last four matches with Lampard opting for the services of veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero.
The Spaniard has managed six clean sheets this season while Oblak has notched up 16 in all competitions.
Chelsea only signed the Spanish shot-stopper in 2018 for £71.6 million, a world-record figure for a goalkeeper.
He was bought in as a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Thibaut Courtois.
But after a mixed campaign last season and a poor season this year it looks like the Blues No1’s days could be numbered.
The former Athletic Bilbao man hit the headlines in last year’s Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City.
Kepa refused to be subbed off in extra time resulting in boss Maurizio Sarri to almost leave the stadium before turning back.
More recently, he has come under fire for a number of key errors, including his weak attempt to stop Isaac Hayden’s late header away at Newcastle on January 18.
Kepa’s trophy cabinet so far is limited to just a Europa League title, a feat that Oblak can match, along with lifting the Supercopa de Espana and the Super Cup.
It is yet to be seen whether or not Atletico would accept this offer for their in-demand shot-stopper – who has developed into one of the world’s best since arriving from Benfica in 2014.
