Arsenal emerge as firm favourites to land €100million Liverpool target

Arsenal have reportedly emerged as the favourites to beat Liverpool to the signing of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak this summer.

Jurgen Klopp’s men were strongly tipped to make a move for the Slovenia international on Monday, as they continue to look for a long-term No.1 at Anfield.

However, it would appear that the Gunners may have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals in their efforts to find a successor to Petr Cech, who turns 36 next month.

AS claims that Arsenal are indeed more likely to tempt Oblak with the lure of playing his football in the capital, leaving the Reds to look elsewhere for a top stopper.

 

The best Gunners news direct to your Facebook timeline: Like our dedicated Arsenal Facebook page.

 

As for Oblak himself, the 25-year-old admits he is unsure what his long-term future holds at Atletico – amid claims that both Liverpool and PSG were preparing to meet his €100million exit clause.

Oblak is under contract at the Wanda Metropolitano for another three years and is eager to stress his commitment to the Atleti cause.

However, with both Liverpool, PSG and Arsenal all in the market for a new keeper this summer, Oblak’s €100m exit clause makes him obtainable to potential suitors.

He is now rated as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers and discussing his future, he concedes he is unsure what his future holds.

“Atletico can grow, it has grown a lot and I am sure that it is not going to stop now, although it’s not easy,” he told AS.

“I am sure that it is going to grow and we will see what will happen with me, for the moment I’m here, I have a contract until 2021. If I continue [here], we will grow together and if not, the club will grow too.”

 

Want news and features on the Reds on your Facebook timeline? Like our dedicated Liverpool page.

 

Oblak was asked directly if he could leave the capital club this summer and he insists his only focus was on finishing the season strongly with Diego Simeone’s side.

“There is no news, I have the contract that I signed two years ago. No-one knows what will happen, not even me,” he added. “I prefer to finish the season well and I hope that [it will be] with a title. Then we will see, but I have a contract. I do not think of anything other than Atletico.”