Chelsea are willing to activate Jan Oblak’s £89million release clause as they seek a replacement for wantaway Thibaut Courtois, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish outlet reports that the Blues have identified the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper as the man they want to succeed Courtois, who has gone AWOL in an attempt to force a move to Real Madrid.
The Blues’ current number one failed to report for training on Monday, leaving the club little time to search for a replacement if they do sell the Belgian to the Champions League holders.
And Oblak’s £89million release clause is thought to be no problem for the club given the circumstances. Mundo reports that Chelsea will pay that fee in the next 24 hours.
Good move for Chelsea?
Oblak proved an excellent Courtois replacement at Atletico, so why wouldn’t Chelsea copy their approach?
The Blues have had success poaching the likes of Courtois and Diego Costa from Diego Simeone’s side in recent years and now Oblak could be set to follow the well-trod route from Madrid to London.
The Slovenian is a wonderful goalkeeper, every bit as good a shot-stopper as the man he would be replacing at Stamford Bridge.
Courtois clearly has his heart set on a move back to Spain, meaning the Blues have about two days to find his successor. With limited time available, it makes sense to simply go and pay Oblak’s release clause.
The club wouldn’t have to worry about tiresome negotiations with Atletico because there’d be nothing they could do, it would purely be up to the player.
From both a footballing and business perspective, this is an excellent move for Chelsea.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
If Mundo’s report is accurate then Chelsea will be paying Oblak’s release clause within 24 hours. After that, it’s up to the Slovenia international himself. This deal is certainly a legitimate possibility.