Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has cooled talk of a move away for 'the best goalkeeper in the world' Jan Oblak this summer, with the Slovenian being linked with Chelsea and Manchester United.
Oblak started every La Liga game for Atletico this season, conceding just 27 goals during this time and keeping 17 clean sheets. Indeed, only Real Madrid - who won the league title - conceded fewer goals than Atletico in 2019/20.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from Atletico in recent times, however, with Chelsea said to be looking for a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga. The world's most expensive goalkeeper was once again dropped for the final game of the season, the latest reminder of manager Frank Lampard's lack of trust in the shot-stopper.
Most recently, it has been suggested Manchester United have also joined the race for Oblak's signature, with the goalkeeper beginning to plan for a future away from the Wanda Metropolitano. Los Rojiblancos president Cerezo has now spoken out on the Slovenian's future though, explaining that he isn't surprised to see other clubs making moves to sign him.
"For me, Oblak, and I speak as an amateur, is the best goalkeeper in the world. Regarding 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," Cerezo told MARCA.
Will Jan Oblak to Chelsea happen? ?
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"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."
Cerezo further suggested, however, that any club who wishes to land Oblak will have to pay his mammoth €120m (£109m) release clause as Atletico do not wish to part ways with him. He added: "I say the same as always. Oblak has a contract, he is an Atlético player, period.
"Oblak is a magnificent player and in his position, unquestionably, there is no one to beat him right now."
Source : 90min