Chelsea Urged By Liverpool Legend To Sign 'Mega Expensive' La Liga Goalkeeper

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has advised Chelsea to push hard for Atletico Madrid’s “mega expensive” goalkeeper Jan Oblak this summer, saying his addition could help the club become a serious Premier League title contender once again.

After spending big on Timo Werner, talks emerged that Chelsea will definitely sign midfielder Kai Havertz next. But while Frank Lampard has been keen on stacking his squad with attack-minded players, the devastating 5-3 defeat to Liverpool on Thursday clearly showed that Chelsea needs to up its defense.

The Blues have now conceded 54 Premier League goals this term, the worst record in the top 10.

Following the loss to Liverpool, former Reds star Carragher wrote in a piece for The Telegraph that it would be shocking if Lampard has not plotted a move to replace his current goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Blues made Arrizabalaga their most expensive goalkeeper in history when they splurged £71 million ($89 million) on him in 2018. But he has come under fire after becoming a flop. Now, Carragher has suggested that Chelsea should spend a chunk of money once again. But this time, he urged Lampard to gamble on Atletico Madrid’s Oblak.

Based on the pundit’s analysis, Chelsea could regain its Premier League title contention if a “game-changer” like Oblak will join the club next season. “[Chelsea] can be well advised on what a ready-made No 1 can do,” he wrote.

“Given how much money has already been invested in more attackers, I would be surprised if Chelsea have not already lined up Arrizabalaga’s successor. Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak is the best available and would be a game-changer. Yes, meeting his £109 million ($139.4 million) buyout clause is mega expensive, but it looks like Chelsea have the funds,” Carragher wrote.

Carragher further noted that he believes Petr Cech, a technical advisor for Chelsea, could play a huge role should the Blues would consider signing Oblak this summer.

Chelsea has been reportedly targeting Oblak ahead of the transfer window. However, Lampard’s side will face competition in signing the star defender as Manchester United has reportedly also put Oblak in its transfer wish list.

Aside from Oblak, Teamtalk reported that Chelsea is also linked to his fellow Atletico star, Jose Gimenez. The Uruguay international is a regular feature under Diego Simeone, but injuries have limited his performance to just 26 appearances this season. The report further noted that following Chelsea’s struggles defensively, Blues scouts have put Gimenez in their radar.