Chelsea are ready to move for Roma’s Brazilian number one Alisson if, as expected, they sell Thibaut Courtois this summer.
Real Madrid are hot on the trail of Courtois, with Paris Saint Germain looking set to land Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon.
We revealed last year that Courtois and Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard were on Real Madrid’s wanted list and that is now progressing.
Real are looking at a new keeper and both Courtois and Roma’s Alisson were narrowed down as their top-two targets – but a deal for Chelsea’s Belgian is somewhat cheaper, given he has just 12-months left on his current deal.
But Courtois also has a big desire to move to Madrid where his children live.
“I have some ideas in my mind, but I’m focusing on the World Cup and have pushed all decisions ahead until after the tournament,” he said.
“My kids are the most important to me. I haven’t seen them a lot in the last 18 months. FaceTime is nice, but seeing them grow up is something different. My kids will play an important role in my decision.”
And Chelsea themselves are now looking at Alisson to replace Courtois, as they have accepted the Belgian won’t sign a new deal.
Bookmakers believe there is a real chance that Alisson will end up at Stamford Bridge this summer, and Betway make him 6/5 to sign with Chelsea, whilst Courtois is now odds-on for Real Madrid.
Betway’s Alan Alger said: “Thibaut Courtois is odds-on to move to Real Madrid this summer at 4/5, so the Blues could be on the hunt for a new keeper and Brazilian number one Alisson looks to be their number one target.
“Chelsea are the 6/5 favourites to be the club Alisson is playing his football at next season, ahead of his current employers Roma at 9/4.
“Madrid and Liverpool are both in the market for a new keeper, with serious questions marks of their current number ones and they come next at 5/2 and 13/2 respectively.”