Chelsea boss set to hold crunch talks with key player this week

Chelsea face a huge fight on their hands to retain the services of key players at Stamford Bridge, with a number of sides across Europe eyeing a raid.

Thibaut Courtois is amongst the players heavily tipped for a move away from west London, with Real Madrid circling for the Belgium international, but Maurizio Sarri is ready to attempt to retain the services of the goalkeeper.

According to AS, Maurizio Sarri is set to hold talks with the 26-year-old this week when he returns from extended leave following his starring performances at the World Cup in Russia – where Courtois won the golden glove.

Courtois is keen on a move to the Spanish capital to be with his young family, who remain in Madrid from his time with Atletico, and has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge – which weakens Chelsea’s negotiating position.

Sarri also has to face the fact that a replacement for Courtois must be signed by Thursday, while Real Madrid have until the end of August to bring the keeper to the Santiago Bernabeu.