Chelsea given transfer HOPE as Maresca eyes big-name signing

Cameron Smith

• 16 Jun 2024 16:00 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are interested in signing Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, according to reports in Spain.

The 31-year-old has been a standout performer for Diego Simeone’s side for nearly a decade, but Atleti are reportedly willing to offload him this summer.

Chelsea have been tentatively linked with a move for Oblak over the past few weeks, however Atletico Madrid are now open to selling the Slovenia international, according to AS (via Football Espana).

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

Oblak played every minute of Atletico Madrid’s La Liga campaign last season, keeping 13 clean sheets and conceding just 43 goals in 38 matches.

However, an exit is now on the cards as Chelsea pursue a move for one of Europe’s most well-esteemed players.

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca sends Chelsea scouts to Euro 2024 to watch favourite player

Chelsea to sign a new goalkeeper?

Goalkeeper has been a problem position for Chelsea since Thibaut Courtois’ move to Real Madrid in 2018, but Djordje Petrovic impressed in between the sticks after usurping Robert Sanchez last season.

However, Enzo Maresca is reportedly looking to sign a new number one and the Blues have been linked with a number of ‘keepers as a result.

Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen was a target before he signed a new deal with the Yellow Submarines, while Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is also admired.

At Leicester City, Maresca required his goalkeeper to play a key role in the Foxes’ build-up patterns and he is expected to place similar demands when he starts his work at Stamford Bridge in July.

In other news, Chelsea are also hoping to sign Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, while Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran is a major target too. Tosin Adarabioyo became the Blues’ first summer signing following his arrival from Fulham on a free transfer.

Thiago Silva and Lewis Hall have both left the club, with the former re-joining Fluminense and the latter’s loan move to Newcastle United made permanent.