Newcastle transfer boost as Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak is ‘open’ to Premier League move this summer
NEWCASTLE have reportedly received a huge boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak who is open to a Premier League switch.
The Slovenian stopper’s contract with Atletico expires in the summer of 2023, and he’s open to a new challenge after spending eight years in Spain, according to Goal.
Oblak will likely garner interest from a number of European giants as his contract end date draws closer.
Although Goal claim Atletico boss Diego Simeone won’t be willing to let go of his No.1 keeper who he’s previously described as the “Lionel Messi of goalkeepers,” without a fight.
But the 29-year-old previously stated that a move to the Premier League would be right up his street – although he’s confident he can thrive in any league across the globe.
Mulling over his future in a previous interview with the BBC in April 2021, Oblak said in fluent English: “The Premier League has strong teams, maybe the strongest.
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“I don’t know what the future will bring, but I am sure that in any league I would play in I could play well.
“I have now been in Spain for seven years. Let’s see. I’m still young and I still have some years in front of me.
“The most important thing for me is the hope that I do not have a lot of injuries, and then we’ll see.”
Oblak’s admission would be welcomed by Newcastle who are on the hunt for a new stopper to help stem the flow of goals they’ve been conceding this season as they battle for survival.
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Martin Dubravka won his place back in the Toon line-up in November but manager Eddie Howe is reportedly looking for a more solid option between the sticks.
They have also been linked with the ‘next Oblak’ – Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos – for over a year.
However, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have also expressed interest in Oblak.
Oblak was not likely to be impressed by what he saw from United as Atletico dumped them out of the Champions League last night.
Oblak managed to keep out Cristiano Ronaldo and Co during the last-16 second-round clash that Atletico won 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate.
Following United’s exit from the Europe, a move to Chelsea or Arsenal may be a more attractive option for Oblak.
The Gunners are in pole position to clinch the fourth Champions League spot for next season ahead of United.