$143M Goalkeeper, Considered Current Best, Wants To Leave La Liga Amid Man Utd, Chelsea's Interest

Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Following Atletico’s Champions League exit, Oblak, who is considered among the top five shot-stoppers in the world right now, is expected to push for his transfer this summer, Spanish publication Todofichajes reported. The Slovenia national is currently contracted with Atletico Madrid until 2023 and has a release clause of around $143 million.

The current generation has witnessed some of the most talented goalkeepers like Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Allison Becker, Thibaut Courtois, David de Gea, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The fact that the 28-year-old Oblak is rated above all these players right now speaks volumes of the Slovenian’s brilliance in front of the goal post.

While Atletico Madrid are having a great season in Spain’s La Liga, as they are four points clear at the top of the table, Diego Simeone’s side were eliminated from the Champions League last week. Interestingly, they lost to Chelsea, one of the clubs that are looking to rope in Atletico’s goalkeeper.

Despite signing Edouard Mendy last summer and already having the world’s most expensive goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in his squad, Chelsea's boss Thomas Tuchel is believed to be still looking for another goalkeeping option. However, Chelsea are not willing to match Oblak’s hefty release clause, instead, they are planning to make a bid of around $95 million.

Meanwhile, it is widely known that Manchester United are looking for a long-term replacement for David de Gea, who is tipped to part ways with the Old Trafford side this summer despite being contracted until 2023.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side is planning to offer Atletico Madrid their former goalkeeper de Gea along with a huge sum a part of Oblak’s deal, the soccer website Teamtalk reported. While Dean Henderson is fighting to become Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper, it is understood that Solskjaer wants to explore stronger options.