Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has admitted he is ‘not surprised’ by Chelsea’s rumoured interest in goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
A report yesterday indicated that the Blues were ready to make a huge €100m move for Oblak, with Frank Lampard seemingly determined to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spanish goalkeeper, who is the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of football, has endured a difficult two years at Stamford Bridge, with a series of mistakes and poor performances.
That has not improved under Lampard, and several reports have indicated that he is on the hunt for a replacement.
A report from AS on Tuesday claimed the the Blues were ‘willing to reach’ the €100m mark for the player, as he was a ‘priority’ for Frank Lampard going forward.
Simeone has now commented on the rumour, admitting he’s not surprised that the likes of Chelsea want to sign his star man.
“It is normal that they want a goalkeeper of the characteristics and value that Oblak has and it doesn’t surprise me because he is very good,” Cadena SER report him saying.
“For us, he is decisive, very important in the dressing room, he is our captain.
“Year after year he has managed to evolve in all the matches, from goalkeeper to his handling with the group, and hopefully he can continue with us.
“It is normal to always look for the best, and we have many who are very good, some previous seasons have left, others have stayed, and it is logical and normal for a footballer like Oblak to be loved by anyone.
“For us, he is our captain, an important player year after year and hopefully we can continue to count on his work, which is enormous for Atlético de Madrid.”
