Chelsea could be forced to break record transfer fee for Kepa Arrizabalaga replacement

July 21, 2020 By Ali M.

Topics: Jan Oblak, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Transfer, English Premier League

Lampard is keen on having a new no.1 shot-stopper in between the sticks in time for next season but the man they have their eyes on won't come cheap.

It is no secret that Kepa Arrizabalaga has fallen out of favor under Frank Lampard. Despite breaking the record transfer fee for a goalkeeper when they lured the Spaniard from Athletic Club only two years back, Chelsea are reportedly ready to replace the 25-year-old.

There has been conflicting speculation as to whether the Blues need to move Kepa off first before dipping into the transfer window or not. Regardless, Lampard has seen enough of the keeper, having dropped him prior to the suspension, and is thus ready to bring in another shot-stopper.

According to the recent reports, the man English gaffer has his eyes on is Jan Oblak, the superstar in between the sticks at Atletico Madrid. The Slovenian is regarded as one of, if not the, best goalkeepers in world football. However, it's for that same reason that the 27-year-old will not come cheap.

As per the Daily Mail, his Spanish employers are holding out for $140M (£110M), which is the value of Oblak's release clause. This means Chelsea could be forced to smash the world-record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, a feat they set when they signed Kepa for $91M.

Lampard reportedly wants Oblak at Stamford Bridge in time for next season. As for Arrizabalaga, the Blues are said to be ready to loan him out in order to get the Spaniard off the wage bill, with Valencia showing interest in the former Atlethic Club man.

One factor that could play a huge role in their rumored pursuit of Oblak is the top-four race. Securing a Champions League spot would mean more money to spend in the transfer window for Lampard and Co, not to mention the fact that playing in UEFA's premier club competition would probably be a prerequisite for a player of Oblak's stature. Chelsea currently sit in third and boast a one-point lead over both fourth-placed Leicester and fifth-placed Man United. Unfortunately, the final two games of the season for Abraham and Co. are tricky ones as they will be facing Liverpool on Wednesday before hosting Wolves on the final day.