Atletico Madrid goalkeeping gem Jan Oblak has been a subject of a lot of interest throughout the course of this season. The Slovenian international has a deal with Atleti until 2021 but reportedly has a release clause of €100m.
According to reports, Oblak has already been identified as the main target for a host of Premier League giants including Arsenal and Liverpool. The Spanish giants, however, are ready to increase the release clause of the highly rated keeper, as they aim to fend off interest from other clubs, chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin confirmed.
Arsenal, in particular, are keen to secure a top quality goalkeeper this summer, following a mediocre season where first-choice keeper Petr Cech was a subject of a lot of criticism. With legendary manager Arsene Wenger calling it quits, the new head coach will definitely want to usher his managerial era at Arsenal with a new face in between the sticks and the acquisition of Jan Oblak could be an ideal masterstroke from the club.
Since joining Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2014, in a €16m move from Benfica, Jan Oblak has become one of Europe’s best goalkeepers. Making over 160 appearances for the Spanish giants in all competitions, the Slovenian number one has emerged as a key player for Rojiblancos.
In fact, his astonishing performances in between the sticks had guided Atleti to an impressive run in the 2015-16 edition of the Champions League where they reached the final, only to be beaten by arch-rivals Real Madrid. Oblak also helped his club reach the semi-finals of the coveted tournament the following season. Despite Atleti miserably failing to perform in this season’s Champions League, Oblak has been an instrumental figure in their Europa League winning campaign, which was his first major silverware with Atletico Madrid since joining them in 2014.
The addition of Jan Oblak to Arsenal will no doubt strengthen the overall quality of the side, which has struggled to cope with the rigours of the Premier League in recent seasons. With Petr Cech struggling with form, Oblak can not only prove to be an apt replacement for the ageing keeper but will also be an upgrade on the former Chelsea legend.
At the age of just 25, the Slovenian international is very young, especially for a keeper, meaning he could prove to be a real asset for the club in the future. Therefore, the Gunners should definitely make a move for the former Benfica goalkeeper and kickstart their post-Wenger era.
