Real Madrid are known admirers of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois since his days at Vicente Calderon, but with candidates like Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla at the helm, moving for the Belgian international wouldn’t have made any sense.
However, as per media outlet Onda Cero, the Spanish giants are now in talks with the London club to strike a possible deal for the 199cm shot stopper. And with Los Blancos’ transfer ban reduced to just one window, this deal suddenly looks a possibility. It has been reported by the British media as well.
Courtois played an important role in Chelsea’s last Premier League title winning season and has been a regular for the Blues since then. However, Chelsea faced a surprising slump the following season, with the club finishing 10th in the league. Courtois was hugely criticised that season and the Blues had already started searching for new options.
Conte has been an admirer of AC Milan prodigy Gianluigi Donnarumma and there is an outside chance that the gaffer might move for him. This had made Courtois’ concrete position quite brittle and he had even hinted a La Liga return in September stating himself half-Spanish, which angered many Chelsea fans.
He has, however, calmed them with his recent comments, saying, “I think sometimes my comments didn’t come out the way I meant,” Courtois said. I can understand that they were frustrated but I never meant it that way. They can clearly see that I am fully committed to this club, I want to win games and to win trophies for this club. I will do my very best for Chelsea.”
However, though he stated that he is happy at Chelsea, this doesn’t stop the speculation of him being linked with Real. His contract runs out in 2019, and if Chelsea doesn’t open contract talks at season end, then Real could really make a move next summer.
Courtois has made 27 saves this season, keeping nine clean sheets. He has a passing accuracy of 68% and given his towering height, the Belgium has an 88% average claim success. He has been decent at Stamford Bridge so far. With an average save per goal ratio of 2.09 and 1.71 average saves per game, he has been one of the key players for Conte this season so far.
Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 games so far, which has kept them six points clear of their nearest rivals Liverpool. With Chelsea missing out on Donnarumma, Conte is highly unlikely to sell his first-choice goalie, but offers from Real have often lured the best of players.
