Chelsea
Spaniards To Make Permanent Move For Chelsea Stopper?
Chelsea could face a battle to keep hold of Thibaut Courtois as Atletico Madrid are believed to be lining up a move to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer
Despite the transfer window now being closed there will still be plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers, so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, more on the future of Thibaut Courtois.
Photo: Goal.com
Chelsea could face a battle to keep hold of impressive young goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with Atletico Madrid believed to be lining up a move to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The 20-year-old Belgian joined the European champions from Genk in the summer of 2011 but was immediately sent out on loan and has enjoyed an excellent 18 months in Spain with Atletico Madrid. His form has seen him earn rave reviews on the continent and he’s already earned seven international caps for the senior Belgium team despite his tender age.
But Courtois’ surprisingly quick development has now given Chelsea a headache. The Daily Mail claim the Blues sent goal-keeping coach Christophe Lollichon over to Madrid recently to hold talks with the player and assure him he’s regarded as the long-term successor to Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge.
The report claims Courtois is reluctant to return to west London to act as a No.2 but Chelsea are understood to be ready to offer him a new contract on improved terms that reflect his progress in a bid to stave off interest from Atletico. The Mail understand that the La Liga side have made it clear to Chelsea that they would like the keeper on loan again next season and are even lining up a move to try and snap him up on a permanent basis in the summer.
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Courtois is tied to a long-term contract so the Blues don’t have to sell but they may be put in a difficult situation if the player tries to force a move in search of regular first team football.
A new contract may appease the youngster but he’s surely shown enough at Madrid over the last 18 months to show he’s worthy of playing week-in week-out now, which is going to be difficult to come by at the Bridge while Cech is still at the club.
What do Chelsea fans think the club should do with Courtois next season? Get involved in the comments section below.
