A look at this summer’s top five goalkeeper targets.10) Jan Oblak (Benfica)
Impressive young Benfica goalkeeper Jan Oblak looks likely to be the centre of much attention this summer after some fine displays for the Portuguese champions. The 21-year-old has been a key figure in Jorge Jesus’ side as they won the title this season, and in their run to the Europa League final. Chelsea were linked with Oblak back in the January transfer window, while he now looks to be attracting strong interest from La Liga pair Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. With the latter two both looking in need of replacements for their current no. 1’s, a big move to Spain seems likely for the Slovenian youngster.
9) Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster has seen his reputation grow tremendously in the last couple of years. After failing to make the grade at Newcastle United earlier in his career, the England international is now a star player with SPL champions Celtic, and looks likely to make the move to a bigger club at some point in the near future. The 26-year-old is currently a backup player in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad this summer, but after the tournament he could well find his way to any one of Manchester United, Manchester City or Barcelona, who have all been linked with him at various points this season.
8) Samir Handanovic (Inter Milan)
One of the most impressive goalkeepers in Serie A at the moment, Samir Handanovic could be a big-name addition to the Premier League if recent rumours are anything to go by. Both Manchester United and Manchester City have reportedly shown an interest in the 29-year-old in recent times, and may move for him depending on what happens with their current first choice shot-stoppers. Atletico Madrid could also be in for him as they search for a long-term replacement for loan star Thibaut Courtois.
7) Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham Hotspur had their star player Gareth Bale poached by Real Madrid last summer, and now one of their most important members of their squad Hugo Lloris is also a target for the Spanish giants as they ponder bringing in a replacement for the out-of-form Iker Casillas. Lloris has been a terrific signing for Spurs since he joined the club from Lyon back in 2012, and is now widely regarded as one of the best in his position in the Premier League. Paris Saint-Germain and Roma have also shown a strong interest in the Frenchman, who will be hoping to star for Didier Deschamps’ France squad at this summer’s World Cup.
6) Pepe Reina (Liverpool)
Napoli look set to beat Arsenal to the signing of out-of-favour Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina this summer. Recent reports suggest that the Reds have lowered their asking price from £5m to £3m for the 31-year-old, who was sent out on loan to Naples in 2013/14 after falling behind new signing Simon Mignolet in the pecking order at Anfield. Barcelona have also been linked with the Spaniard in the past, but a reunion with his old manager Rafael Benitez on a permanent deal looks increasingly likely to go through in the near future.
5) Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho certainly has a big decision to make this summer as he picks his number one for next season. Although Petr Cech has been the undisputed first choice at Stamford Bridge for much of the last decade, his form has dipped somewhat at points this season, and that could lead the Blues to consider promoting impressive youngster Thibaut Courtois to a starting spot between the posts. Cech remains one of the best keepers in the world on his day, and will surely not be short of suitors if he does move, with Paris Saint-Germain showing an early interest in the Czech Republic star.
4) Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
If Cech does survive competition from Courtois as Chelsea’s number one, Atletico Madrid will surely face plenty of competition to land the immensely talented Belgian on a permanent deal. The 22-year-old spent three seasons on loan at the Vicente Calderon and has now established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world after forming part of a rock-solid Atletico defence which won the Copa del Rey last season and followed it up with the La Liga title this term, as well as a phenomenal run to the Champions League final. Courtois’ incredible reflexes and command of his area are superb for one so inexperienced, and the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG have all shown an interest in signing him if he is made available.
3) Keylor Navas (Levante)
After a simply outstanding season in La Liga with Levante, Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas is fast becoming one of the most sought-after players in Europe. The 27-year-old has also showcased his tremendous ability at this summer’s World Cup, putting in a great display in his country’s shock 3-1 victory over Uruguay. Barcelona and Liverpool are believed to be the main clubs interested, whilst Atletico Madrid could also consider him as they prepare for life without Thibaut Courtois.
2) Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
After finding himself surprisingly dropped from the Real Madrid starting lineup for much of the last two seasons under first Jose Mourinho and then Carlo Ancelotti, Iker Casillas could be on his way out of the Bernabeu this summer. The Spaniard has spent his entire career so far with Real, becoming club captain and establishing himself as one of their best-ever players. Casillas arguably looks past his best now, however, and may be allowed to leave if the right offer comes along, with Real also looking at a number of other possible targets to come in in goal. Arsenal and Manchester City would likely jump at the chance to sign him, despite his drop in form, as a move to a new club could be just what he needs to revive his career.
1) Victor Valdes (Unattached)
Despite being one of the best free agents on the market this summer, former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is yet to find a new club after allowing his contract at the Nou Camp to run down. The 32-year-old has won all there is to win with the Catalan giants, spending his entire career so far with the club, and he is now keen to try a new challenge. Big-spending Ligue 1 giants Monaco had looked the favourites to snap him up, but rumours of that move falling through could alert the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, who have also all shown an interest as the future of this top class shot-stopper remains unresolved.