Jan Oblak (Getty Images)
According to El Chiringuito Tv (h/t The Sun), Chelsea are interested in signing Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid in a player-plus-cash deal.
The report suggests that the Blues are ready to offer £25m plus out-of-favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Slovenian shot-stopper.
Oblak, 27, came through NK Olimpija Ljubljana’s youth ranks and made a name for himself with Benfica in Portugal. After winning the Primeira Liga’s best goalkeeper award in the 2013/14 season, Atletico Madrid signed him immediately.
Since then, he has been the first-choice in goal for the Spanish outfit. He has made 242 appearances for the club and is currently into his sixth season with the Colchoneros. In the process, he has kept 133 clean sheets and is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
The Slovenian international has also made 28 appearances for his national side and has immense experience at the highest level. He has been a regular member of his club in the past 5 years and has helped Atletico lift the Spanish Super Cup, the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup once each.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are not at their best though they occupy 4th place in the Premier League table. Frank Lampard got off to a good start in the campaign but seems to have lost track due to injury issues and inconsistency of the players at his disposal.
They were humiliated in front of the home crowd when Bayern thrashed them 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. And that game highlighted the need for several changes to be made in the squad. One area that needs to be addressed at the earliest is the goalkeeping department.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero are the two shot-stoppers available at the manager’s disposal. The Spaniard did a decent job in his debut season at Stamford Bridge but has lost his way this campaign. He has been at fault for many of the goals Chelsea have conceded and his performance has been below par. As a result, Lampard has put him on the bench for the four games.
Caballero is the only other option and the Argentine has not been impressive in the past few weeks. He started off the game well against Bayern Munich by denying Robert Lewandowski twice but performed poorly in the second half. Hence, the manager should make Jan Oblak a priority in the summer.
The 27-year-old has been in sensational form, keeping 11 clean sheets in 25 games for Atletico this season. He has also won the La Liga Zamora trophy for the last four years along with the La Liga’s best goalkeeper award. Oblak would certainly be a huge boost for the team given his performances for the La Liga side.
Chelsea must look to sign the Slovenian if they want their defensive record to be better in the new season. Oblak can provide them with the stability at the back and he would be successful in the Premier League if he is able to continue with the same form.
