Spanish news outlet Diario Gol are claiming that the La Liga defending champions Real Madrid are interested in Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Los Blancos are long trying to get rid of current number one Keylor Navas in order make up space for a new goalkeeper, and as it seems, it may well be Thibaut Courtois.
Some reports say that the Belgian is unhappy with Chelsea’s credentials in the Champions League and despite being happy at London, Courtois would seriously consider a move to Bernabeu. It is also coincided with Real Madrid boss Florentino Perez stepping up efforts to ship off Keylor Navas to PSG.
Ever since the departure of club legend Iker Casillas, Real Madrid have failed to nail down a proper number one in goal, with Keylor Navas’ mixed form not doing enough impress the Madrid bosses. And with Los Blancos failing to sign top target David de Gea, Courtois can prove to be a valuable acquisition for Zinedine Zidane’s men.
Thibaut Courtois spent three years in Spain, playing for city rivals Atletico Madrid on loan from Chelsea. At Atletico, Courtois instantly made an impression as one of the top young goalkeepers in the world, which eventually earned him a spot in the Chelsea goal.
In the Premier League, the 26-year-old also did a decent job of replacing Petr Cech as the Blues number one.
Navas, on the other hand, has struggled with form in the early parts of the season, keeping only two clean sheets in six games so far. Fans have long pleaded for an upgrade in the goalkeeping position and Thibaut Courtois can be a perfect signing for the twelve times European record champions.
The Belgian International is known for his lightning quick reflexes, which can be very handy, especially in the high-end encounters.
However, there are many drawbacks and doubts over Courtois’ credentials as a top-drawer goalkeeper. The Chelsea goalkeeper is known to conceded sloppy goals, and looks very nervous, at times against top-tier opponents, which can be very worrying for Zidane, considering Real Madrid’s gruelling fixture list.
Thibaut Courtois is likely to cost around £53m if Los Blancos are to sign the highly rated goalkeeper, which is very expensive for a goalkeeper. Therefore, Real Madrid should instead look for other cheaper alternatives in the market.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been a precious commodity for Athletic Bilbao in recent months, and given Real Madrid’s interest in the young Spanish goalkeeper, Arrizabalaga could make perfect sense for the record champions for Europe.
