Transfer Rumors: Chelsea Aiming For Atletico Madrid Goalkeeper, Kepa Exit Looms

KEY POINTS

Chelsea sets sights on Jan Oblak to be the Blues' first-choice goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga could be offered to Atletico Madrid
Chelsea is exploring its options with Kepa likely to exit Stamford Bridge

Chelsea F.C. is far from done in terms of player recruitment, and it appears a new name is in the mix. Aware that they need to address other positions as well, this time around Frank Lampard is reportedly eyeing a goalkeeper: Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid.

There are reports that the Blues are looking to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 25-year-old goalie has struggled to fit into the system of Lampard and has been used sparingly. Acquired for a record sum of $85 million last summer from Atletico Bilbao, the Spaniard has failed to live up to the investment. Now, the Blues are exploring options to recover some of the money they spent on Kepa. He could be made part of the deal for Oblak if Los Indios is open to the idea.

However, acquiring Oblak would mean another hefty investment for the Blues. He holds a huge $150 million buy-out clause, something that could be too stiff even for Chelsea.

Seeing as Oblak has emerged as one of the best keepers in the world in the past years, inserting Kepa in the deal may somehow ease the needed cash outlay of the Blues. Thus, the only question remaining now is whether or not Atletico would agree.

As for Arrizabalaga, the possible departure seems imminent, not just because he failed to adapt to the system of Lampard. Like most teams, Chelsea is struggling financially and wants to unload expensive players who have not performed as well as expected.

It can be recalled that Arrizabalaga was, at one point, made to sit out in favor of Willy Caballero. The reason behind that is his sub-par play. although Lampard said the Spanish goalie was trying hard to improve his game.

But now, the COVID-19 situation may have altered the course of giving Kepa chances, leading the Blues to check out possible goalkeepers they can get their hands on.

Also, it is no secret that Chelsea is on the prowl for a new goalkeeper. There is a chance that Arrizabalaga could walk away this summer, and the Blues are bracing for it. Among the names linked to Chelsea include Andre Onana of Ajax and Roman Burki of Borussia Dortmund.