Oblak to cost €120m, Valencia show interest in Kepa, as Chelsea draw up shortlist — reports

If we want an upgrade on Kepa Arrizabalaga just two years after spending €80m on him, Chelsea might have to spend even bigger.

According to Goal, Atlético Madrid are in no mood to negotiate any sort of deal for Jan Oblak, so if we want to try our luck in convincing the 27-year-old, we would have to start by paying the full €120m release clause. Oblak remains a most important player for Diego Simeone, despite a significant drop in some of his metrics drop this season (compared with his previous very high standards).

As unlikely as that may be, one thing that might help would be Chelsea being able to shift Kepa to some other team. Valencia apparently might be interested — as long as Chelsea subsidize his wages in a loan move (with a buy-option).

Those vague rumors are repeated in the Telegraph’s round-up of the situation as well, with Matt Law adding that Chelsea will be addressing at the goalkeeper position this summer either way. Technical director advisor Petr Čech, with input from Christophe Lollichon, is drawing up two lists, one with Kepa staying (to compete with him) and one with Kepa leaving (to replace him).

Of course, just because we make a wishlist — and the only names mentioned are Oblak and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, not exactly the most likely arrivals — it doesn’t mean we’ll get the presents we want from Santa Clausabramovich.