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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Davies

Jan Oblak to Chelsea? Atletico Madrid president rules out summer exit for 'world's best goalkeeper'

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo insists Jan Oblak will not leave the club this summer amid transfer links to Chelsea and Manchester United.

The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the world's best in his position in recent years, with Atletico reportedly set to demand that his £109million buyout clause be paid in full.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with a number of goalkeepers of late - including Oblak and Ajax’s Andre Onana - after current no1 Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped for the Blues' final Premier League match of the season against Wolves, with Frank Lampard seemingly losing faith in the young Spaniard.

Likewise, compatriot David de Gea's spot in the United first team has been called into question following a double addition to a growing catalogue of errors during the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea, though Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson could be set for a return to Old Trafford this summer.

Chelsea are looking to significantly strengthen their squad for a title push next term, with Kai Havertz firmly on Lampard's radar following the acquisitions of both Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has been linked with both Chelsea and Manchester United over recent weeks (Getty Images)

But while Lampard remains keen to add a goalkeeper into the mix, Cerezo insists it will not be Oblak, acknowledging it is not unusual to see the "best goalkeeper in the world" receive such interest.

"I always say that Oblak has a contract with Atletico and is the best goalkeeper in the world. It is not strange that he has offers from other great teams," Cerezo told Marca.

"I say the same as always. Oblak has a contract, he is an Atletico player, period. We have many players, our squad is the club's main asset. Oblak is a magnificent player and in his position, unquestionably, there is no one to beat him right now.

"For me, Oblak - and I speak as an amateur - is the best goalkeeper in the world. Regarding [Thibaut] Courtois, he is another great goalkeeper of those in the world and fortunately, both have played for us and with both we have been champions in many trophies."

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