Carragher tips Cech to help bring ‘game-changing’ signing to Chelsea

Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea would become serious contenders for next season’s Premier League title if they can sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Chelsea have already spent big on attacking signings, with Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner both arriving.

What’s more, there is strong talk that attack-minded midfielder Kai Havertz could be their next acquisition.

However, Liverpool’s 5-3 defeat of Chelsea reminded them of their defensive concerns; the Blues have now conceded 54 Premier League goals this term, the worst record in the top 10.

As such, Carragher wrote in The Telegraph that it would surprise him if Frank Lampard has not already sewn up a replacement for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has come under fire for his poor record this season.

And Carragher believes Petr Cech, a technical advisor with the Blues, could have a part to play in proceedings.

“Given how much money has already been invested in more attackers, I would be surprised if Chelsea have not already lined up Arrizabalaga’s successor,” the pundit wrote.

“Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak is the best available and would be a game-changer. Yes, meeting his £109 million buyout clause is mega expensive, but it looks like Chelsea have the funds.

“Oblak is the closest you will find to a no-brainer for any coach in need of a keeper, and given Petr Cech’s involvement in Chelsea’s technical department – and remembering the impact he had when becoming one of Jose Mourinho’s first recruits in 2004 – the club can be well advised on what a ready-made No 1 can do.

“That is their biggest priority. Chelsea need only look at Ederson and Alisson to see the value of a world-class stopper.

“Ederson contributed to City increasing their points tally from 78 to 100 in 2018. Liverpool have collected 97 and 96 in successive seasons, leaping from 75 points the year before Alisson signed.”

CHELSEA’S CHASE FOR A DEFENDER?

Elsewhere, reports claim Chelsea are targeting a move for Oblak’s fellow Atletico star Jose Gimenez.

The Uruguay international is a regular feature under Diego Simeone, but injuries have restricted him to 26 appearances this season.

And, amid Chelsea’s defensive woes, Gimenez is reportedly on the club’s radar after a recommendation from scouts.

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