Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has recently revealed his intentions to return to Spain amid uncertainty about his future at Stamford Bridge, and strong interest from Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old Belgian international only has 18 months left on his current deal, with head coach Antonio Conte desperate to tie him down to a new deal.
However, in recent weeks the former Atletico Madrid loanee hasn’t filled the Blues on with confidence over his future when he stated his desire to return to Spain for family reasons.
Real are looking for a new long-term number one to replace Keylor Navas, and with a deal looking extremely unlikely for Manchester United’s David de Gea, it looks as if the Spanish giants have turned their attention to Courtois.
We’ve decided to take a look at five potential replacements for the Belgian if he is to leave Stamford Bridge either in January or the summer.
Jan Oblak - Atletico Madrid
Despite Oblak already being strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea may see the Slovenian as a perfect fit at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Blues may face having to offer a substantial fee for the keeper if Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring his situation.
Jack Butland - Stoke City
An option much closer to home, the English international has been highly impressive since his return from injury this season, and the Blues may see this as the perfect replacement and perhaps one of the cheaper options.
Chelsea have been linked with Butland throughout the years and they could re-ignite their interest if they going in search of a new goalkeeper.
Samir Handanovic - Inter Milan
Despite being 33, Handanovic seems to be getting better with age, and with a wealth of experience in Italy’s top division behind him, the Slovenian may be tempted into testing himself in the Premier League.
With Inter flying high in Serie A, it would need a very big offer to lure him away from the San Siro, something Chelsea may be reluctant to do considering his age.
Gianluigi Donnarumma - AC Milan
Donnarumma is regarded as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers. At just 18 years of age, he is already nearing 100 appearances for the Italian giants, so it’ll take a large offer from the Blues for AC Milan to even consider parting ways with their teenage talent.
Milan may be forced to sell him in the summer to recoup some funds with the Rossoneri looking likely to miss out on the Champions League.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has impressed since joining Barcelona in 2014 from Borussia Monchengladbach to replace Claudio Bravo.
However, the German international has been linked with a move away from the Catalan giants in recent months, with Chelsea potentially being one of the clubs who decide to act if Courtois decides to leave.