Chelsea signed Kepa Arrizabalaga on a world-record deal last week as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who joined Real Madrid, but it’s suggested the Spaniard was not Maurizio Sarri’s first choice.
The Daily Express cites reports from Spain that indicate Sarri’s preferred option was Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, with it stated that the Blues submitted a £90m bid that activated the release clause of the highly-rated Slovakian international.
However, Oblak rejected a move to Stamford Bridge in order to remain with Diego Simeone’s side and is now set to be rewarded by the LaLiga giants with a lucrative new deal lasting until 2023 that raises his release clause to an astronomical figure of £225m.
25-year-old Oblak is widely regarded to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world and his decision to remain with the Europa League champions is not surprising as Atletico can provide Champions League football this season.
