It looks like Chelsea need to have a re-think with their goalkeeping situation as speculation hots up that they’re set to be dealt a huge double blow to their transfer plans.
RMC report that Blues shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois is nearing a move to Real Madrid, with the Belgium international out of contract next summer, thereby leaving CFC somewhat powerless to prevent him going for just £30million, according to Marca.
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In another big blow to Chelsea, the Guardian and various other sources now state that Liverpool are ahead of them in sealing the transfer of Roma goalkeeper Alisson.
Losing such a big name in Courtois surely now means Roman Abramovich badly needs to get spending in the final weeks of the transfer window, and he’s our suggested list of alternatives to Alisson in a bid to find a new no.1 at Stamford Bridge…
Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
With a release clause of £89m (via Goal and others), Jan Oblak is there for the taking if Chelsea are willing to fork out quite that much.
That’s a big if, of course, and would see the world record fee paid for a goalkeeper broken for a second time this summer if Liverpool do sign Alisson, with BBC Sport having Ederson’s £35m the current record in sterling.
Oblak is another world class shot-stopper, however, and seems ideal for Chelsea if they are to be serious about rebuilding and getting back into the Champions League without a big name like Courtois.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan)
One of the finest young players on the planet, let alone being up there with the best ‘keepers, AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma would be another fine option for Chelsea to consider.
It could be an ambitious deal, but the Italy international has been linked with a move away from the San Siro in the past.
Milan’s financial difficulties mean they may have to cash in on players this summer, with Donnarumma mentioned as one of those who could leave in a recent report by Calciomercato.
Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona)
Only a backup at Barcelona, but Jasper Cillessen could do well for the Blues after shining at Ajax and doing a strong job whenever called upon at the Nou Camp.
Mundo Deportivo only recently linked the Dutchman with both Chelsea and Liverpool, but if Alisson ends up at Anfield then that surely means Stamford Bridge would be a more realistic destination for this shot-stopper.
He may not be the biggest name out there, but Chelsea may soon be in a situation where they can’t afford to be too picky, and there does seem to be some interest in Cillessen.
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
A stand-out performer for England at this summer’s World Cup, Jordan Pickford has impressed at Everton and could be ideal to fill this crucial void at Stamford Bridge.
It remains to be seen if any top clubs are in for Pickford at the moment, but one imagines his impressive showing on the big stage means it’s only a matter of time.
Chelsea look like they’re about to need a ‘keeper, so if other bigger names aren’t available, why not go for this big talent who’s already shown what he can do in the Premier League and at international level?
Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
A solid and consistent performer for Leicester City, Kasper Schmeichel also had a very impressive World Cup with Denmark, despite their exit in the last 16.
Sky Sports suggest Schmeichel is on Chelsea’s radar, and he’d be far better than the other player being linked – Arsenal’s Petr Cech.
Of this lot, Oblak is the dream option, but there are plenty of talented ‘keepers out there who could do a decent job of replacing Courtois this summer despite Alisson looking like heading for Liverpool instead.