Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League • England
Tottenham seek swoop for world class star in bid to solve long-standing problem with ageing player
Reports have claimed that Tottenham have set their sights on Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak in a bid to replace Hugo Lloris.
It has been well-documented that Spurs are looking to freshen up their goalkeeping department.
Lloris has been the No 1 goalkeeper at Spurs since his arrival in summer 2012. He has racked up over 400 appearances in that time.
The Spurs captain has his contract set to expire in the summer of 2024 and he is not expected to pen a new deal.
With Conte keen on freshening up the position, they do have several targets in mind.
Perhaps their most ambitious link has been to Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Oblak. The 29-year-old has been one of the best goalkeepers in Europe for the best part of seven years now.
There’s no denying that his form did significantly dip last season. However, he seems to have gotten back to his best this time around.
According to reports in Spain, Spurs are currently considering him as an option.
Oblak recently signed a new deal with Atletico until the summer of 2028. However, the report explains: ‘the club’s desire to raise money from sales could end up making a deal possible.’
Given that Atletico failed to qualify from their Champions League group, the financial situation at the club is currently in a delicate state. Furthermore, the report claims Oblak could be allowed to leave for as little as £26.9m (€30m).
There have been suggestions that a fire sale could be around the corner in January.
Oblak has started in 12 league matches this season and has kept three clean sheets so far.
Spurs have other targets
As Slovenia didn’t qualify for the World Cup, Oblak will have had some time to weigh up his future options during the international break.
While Oblak would be an ambitious signing for Spurs, they are keeping their options open when it comes to a Lloris replacement.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has even been mentioned in a potential move to Spurs in January.
Pickford, Sanchez and Meslier would be younger alternatives than the more experienced Oblak. All three goalkeepers also have Premier League experience and are comfortable with the ball at their feet.
Pickford in particular will be hoping to impress at the World Cup and put himself in the shop window. There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the Everton goalkeeper as his deal at Goodison Park expires in 2024.
Spurs might look to strike a bargain for him or persist with a move for Oblak instead.
Manchester United are also said to be interested in Oblak. David De Gea’s long-term future continues to be up in the air at Old Trafford.
Oblak would be a welcomed addition to the Premier League, but time will tell how much Atletico’s asking price would be.