Chelsea have been handed a potential boost in their hopes of signing Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak this summer, with reports suggesting that the Spanish side are on the verge of signing a new goalkeeper.
The Blues are in the market for a new number one to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer after a number of poor performances from the Spaniard this season.
The 25-year-old, who arrived for a World Record fee in 2018, has failed to impress under Frank Lampard and was dropped on two occasions throughout this season.
Reports suggest that Lampard is now on the lookout for a replacement for Kepa, with Oblak one of the names at the top of the list.
The Spanish club have remained defiant in their stance over the Slovenian, with them insisting that he will only be sold should his £109 million release clause be met.
However, Atletico’s stance could be softened with the arrival of a potential replacement for the player already through the door.
And that could be the case, with Sportske Novosti claiming that the club are close to sealing the signing of Lokomotiva Zagreb goalkeeper Ivo Grbic for a fee of around £5.4 million, plus add-ons.
The report suggests that a deal will be done between the two clubs at the end of this week, with the player travelling to Spain for a medical and to sort personal terms.
It is claimed that the goalkeeper will then return to Zagreb in order to play his final game for the club before returning to Madrid.
The addition of another goalkeeper, especially one who has had an impressive season for his club, may suggest that Atletico are preparing for life without Oblak.
The move could catch Chelsea’s eye and encourage them to make another move for the goalkeeper.
Have your say on the latest Chelsea stories by sharing your opinion on our new commenting platform below.
