Atletico Madrid president responds to Chelsea move for Jan Oblak to replace Kepa

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has ruled out the possibility that Chelsea will sign the club’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Reports from the British press claimed the West London club were pursuing a move for the Slovenian shot-stopper, who is widely regarded as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers.

Oblak has a long-term deal in the Spanish capital through to 2023 with a whopping £110m release clause, which they are unlikely to negotiate upon.

“For me, Oblak, and I speak as an amateur, is the best goalkeeper in the world,” Cerezo told Spanish media outlet Marca.

“Regarding [Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut] Courtois, he is another great goalkeeper of those in the world and fortunately, both have dressed our shirt and with both we have been champions in many trophies.

“I always say that Oblak has a contract with Atlético and is the best goalkeeper in the world. It is not strange that he has offers from other great teams such as Atlético.

“We have many players, our squad is the club’s main asset.”

When pushed on the future of the goalkeeper and if any move could materialise this summer, Cerezo added as cited by Football Espana: “I say the same as I always do. Oblak has a contract here, he is an Atleti player – period.

“Oblak is a magnificent player and there is nobody better than him in this position right now.”

The reports have claimed that out-of-favour Blues shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga could be offered as part of Chelsea’s offer for Oblak, but this latest stance from Atleti appears to indicate they will not contemplate any such offer.

Photo Credit: Twitter