Bye Courtois: These 2 goalkeepers would be excellent replacements if he leaves Chelsea
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Chelsea have been fantastic this season, and very few have impressed in the Premier League as much as Thibaut Courtois…
The Belgian goalkeeper has been vitally important for the Blues so, with the stellar defensive record kept by the Blues back line a key reason as to why Conte’s men have been so successful so far.
Despite the hype surrounding him, it has taken the Belgian a while to really settle in at Stamford Bridge – but just as he looks to be enjoying life in London, it would appear that a European giant is ready to disrupt his tenure.
The Sun are currently reporting that Real Madrid are ready to give Courtois an offer that he cannot refuse – with the lure of money and a return to his beloved Spain possibly too much to resist for the Belgian shot stopper.
The prospect of his departure is quickly becoming a very real possibility – and so Antonio Conte must, at least with one eye, prepare for the worst case scenario.
With that said, if Courtois does decide to leave – these 2 goalkeepers would be excellent replacements at Chelsea…
Joe Hart
In terms of available, top quality goalkeepers – Joe Hart could well be the best option for Antonio Conte.
The English goalkeeper has been thrust out of Man City by Pep Guardiola, and whilst he is currently on loan with Torino – it seems unlikely that he will stay there long term.
Guardiola likely won’t want to hang onto Hart, and so a departure, even to a Premier League rival, is certainly plausible.
He was mistake-prone at Man City, but he has improved since moving to Italy – and in terms of cost, availability and experience, there is simply no better option.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
If Conte would rather go for a young, long-term solution – Gianluigi Donnarumma would be the best choice.
Any move would be difficult, though. He is, arguably, the heir apparent to Courtois in that he is one of Europe’s most talented and hyped young players – having become a regular for AC Milan at just 17-years-old.
He is a brick wall in the heart of the Milan defence, and given Conte’s preference for Italian players – you could certainly see the Chelsea boss being interested.
Gianluigi Donnarumma will be a tougher purchase than Hart, but long-term – he might just be better.