Real Madrid have a decision to make in their pursuit of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, after the Belgian stopper has reportedly been offered a new contract. His current deal enters its final year in the summer, which could give Real Madrid some leverage in brokering a deal to bring Courtois to the Bernabeu. However, Belgian news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws reports that the 25-year-old is close to agreeing a new five-year deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Real president Florentino Perez has previously signalled his intent to replace Keylor Navas as the club’s first team goalkeeper. The 31-year-old Costa Rican has performed with great credit between the sticks since replacing Iker Casillas but does lack genuine star quality.
Courtois is the right age and is widely considered to be among the elite, so would fit the bill perfectly. Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga has also been strongly linked with Los Blancos but those rumours have cooled in recent weeks.
Perez has extra motivation to push a transfer through as soon as possible, given Real Madrid’s current points deficit to La Liga leaders Barcelona. A high-profile signing would certainly lift the spirits of players and supporters going into the second half of the season.
It could be a case of act now or miss out, with Courtois seemingly on the verge to putting pen to paper on a new deal with his current club. Chelsea are also reportedly keen to resolve the situation and have lined up Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Sevilla’s Sergio Rico as potential replacements, should Courtois decide to jump ship.
Thibaut Courtois is keen to return to Spain sooner rather than later. He is a previous resident of Madrid, having spent three years on loan with Atleti between 2011 and 2014. Both of his children still live in the Spanish capital, which could help swing any potential deal in Real’s favour.
