Chelsea F.C. is looking to improve its goalkeeping position and the name of Van Oblak has been suggested. Though the Blues have the world's highest-paid goalkeeper, Mikel Arteta is far from impressed with his performance. The problem that the Blues may be facing soon is the asking price of Atletico Madrid for the Slovenian goalie.
According to Goal.com. Atletico is seeking roughly $137.5 million for Oblak. Considering most teams are trying to avoid lavish spending, this could be an amount that may turn back any club. But the Blues have been known to found ways. They have been aggressively spending despite the COVID-19 pandemic and could seal the deal for Oblak. But a more logical approach towards it is selling off some of its players.
The first name that comes to mind is Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spanish goalkeeper has not performed well this season, a reason why he was in the sidelines for some months. Arteta opted to use Willy Caballero instead, a move that sent off mixed feelers. Most saw it as a sign that Kepa would be eventually dealt out and it appears that is the case.
Kepa is earning $214,000 a week in wages, numbers that may make it hard for the Blues to offer the Spaniard to other teams. Chelsea could dangle some of their other players as well but the bulk of the money is expected to come from the 25-year-old player.
Aside from Oblak, the Blues have been linked to several other goalkeepers. Among those in the list include Andre Onana of Ajax and Roman Burki of Borussia Dortmund. Regardless if they pursue Oblak, Onana or Burki, it remains that Lampard needs to find a way to evolve funds.
On the part of Oblak, the Slovenian has shown no indication of wanting out of Wanta Metropolitano Stadium. Though Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have been known to hold a good relationship, it is unlikely that the Los Indios will dramatically lower their asking fee.
With Kepa owning a high fee, the best recourse for the Blues is to offer him on loan. Sevilla F.C. has been singled out as a potential destination but the Spaniard's weekly payout is likely to turn them away. That is likely to be the same for other clubs who fancy Kepa for their goalkeeping needs.
Chelsea having three goalkeepers by next season would be a bit odd. Should they pursue Oblak, Lampard needs to unload one and some other players. Though the Blues have been aggressively spending, there is no question that it will reach a point where they may need to stop with the financial implications brought in by COVID-19.
