Manchester United and Juventus are ready to make a move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the summer if he does not sign a new contract.
According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester United and Juventus are interested in signing Atletico Madrid and Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the summer transfer window later this year.
Oblak has been with Atletico Madrid since 2014 when he arrived from Portuguese giants SL Benfica. During his time with the Colchoneros, the 28-year-old has firmly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. With 166 clean sheets from 328 appearances, he has been crucial to the success that Diego Simeone’s side have achieved in recent years.
However, Oblak’s contract with the reigning La Liga champions expires in 2023, meaning he will be entering the final year of his contract in the summer. And, talks over a new deal have not been going all too well, which has sparked speculations over his future. Manchester United and Juventus have now emerged as suitors, as they are keeping an eye on the situation of the Slovenian international.
Manchester United have two top goalkeepers in the form of David de Gea and Dean Henderson, while Tom Heaton is a good option as a third-choice. However, Henderson is being linked with an exit as he has grown frustrated over the lack of game-time coming his way at Old Trafford.
While De Gea is playing some of his finest football after a couple of poor seasons, his contract, much like Oblak, runs out in 2023. And the Red Devils are seemingly laying out succession plans already. Recent reports had indicated that the 20-time English champions are scouting Leeds United star Illan Meslier as a long-term replacement. However, it now seems like they have turned their focus towards Oblak.
But Manchester United will have to battle with Juventus to sign the Atletico Madrid star. The Bianconeri have Wojciech Szczesny as their first-choice goalkeeper but has struggled for consistency in the ongoing campaign. And someone like Oblak, should he become available, would certainly be an upgrade on the 31-year-old former Arsenal custodian.
The report adds that Atletico Madrid will demand that interested parties pay Oblak’s €100 million release clause in full in the summer if he does not sign a new deal. Given Juventus’ poor financial health, shelling out such a huge sum would be out of the question for them, handing Manchester United an advantage in the race.
