Maurizio Sarri’s side failed to convince Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak to join Chelsea before signing Kepa from Athletic Club in a world record move, claims The Times.
Chelsea completed a shock €80m (£71.6m) move for Kepa on the penultimate day of the summer transfer window after accepting defeat in their attempts to convince Thibaut Courtois to stay.
The Belgium international moved to Real Madrid in a £35m deal but it has now emerged Chelsea tried to sign another La Liga shot-stopper before securing Kepa’s services.
Oblak, who is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, has €100m (£89.4m) release clause in his existing Atletico contract and Chelsea were willing to match it.
The Slovenia international has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool but the 25-year-old is happy to continue at Atletico, who qualified for this season’s Champions League.
Chelsea acted quickly after Oblak’s snub and wrapped up a surprise deal to sign 23-year-old Kepa on a seven-year contract, making him the most expensive goalkeeper of all-time.
In the last two La Liga campaigns, Oblak has kept at least five more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper (37).
