Chelsea will reportedly pursue AC Milan sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma if and when Thibaut Courtois, a target for Real Madrid, departs.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are ready to pursue AC Milan sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma in case Thibaut Courtois leaves. The Belgian has been on the radar of Real Madrid for a while and it seems Chelsea are prepared to replace him with the Italian.
Real Madrid seem invested in their search for a new goalkeeper and seem to be nearing towards the addition of one in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who could come in from Athletic Bilbao. But, with Zidane indifferent as to the player’s prospects, Real Madrid could instead bankroll a move for Thibaut Courtois, be it in January or at the end of the season.
Thibaut Courtois is no stranger to life in the Spanish capital. The player was on loan at Atletico Madrid for two seasons – seasons which established his profile as one of the top goalkeepers in the world. At Chelsea, he continued to improve upon his already gained reputation, with brilliant performances.
This season itself, Courtois has recorded 11 shutouts in 22 Premier League appearances, no ordinary feat in itself. The player has one-and-half years left on his current Chelsea contract. But, as Chelsea attempt to get Courtois to commit to a new deal at Stamford Bridge, the Belgian seems to have something else on his mind.
Firstly, there arose reports that Courtois wanted pay parity with fellow Premier League superstar David De Gea. But, slowly, the focus has shifted from pay scale to wanting a return to the Spanish capital. His family also plays an important role in his decision to want a move to Real Madrid.
Thibaut Courtois: Has kept more clean sheets (27) than any other Premier League goalkeeper since the start of the 2016/17 season
Full player stats — https://t.co/Z6UymrJDz8 pic.twitter.com/wM4INujY4W
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 4, 2018
Chelsea feel they have done all they can to convince the player and while they do not want to lose Courtois, they need to list out targets in order to replace the player, in case he does leave for Real Madrid.
In steps Gianluigi Donnarumma, as far as the report from Mundo Deportivo goes. The player was linked with the who’s who of footballing world during his emergence at AC Milan. But, the rumours have since taken a backseat – unlikely to be for long, though.
All of 18, the player has the ability to guard the Chelsea goal for the next decade and more, if brought into the squad. Also, the player does seem to be on the receiving end of a somewhat harsh treatment from AC Milan fans, which could push him towards an exit in the future.
In case Chelsea do let Courtois leave, rest assured it will be for a hefty fee and the same could be reinvested in Donnarumma’s pursuit. Other suitors like Manchester United will also be unlikely to come in till their own goalkeeping superstar remains at the club.
Chelsea fans will be excited by their club’s show of intent in the market as well. Of late, their transfer activity has not inspired much zeal among their fans, with Alvaro Morata the only big name signing in recent times. Donnarumma could be a breath of fresh air.
