Well, that certainly appears to be the suggestion made by Chelsea coach Antonio Conte despite the recent rumour and speculation surrounding Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid had been increasingly linked with a move for the Chelsea keeper in the summer ahead of Christmas with it most recently claimed by the Sun a big money ‘irresistible offer’ would be made at the end of the season.
However, the same report also said Chelsea would offer a significant pay rise to an improved contract – Courtois’ current deal runs until 2018 – in order to fend off our interest in the Belgium international.
Since these latest claims Conte has said the Premier League leaders have no interest in offloading the keeper rating him as one of the best – if not the best – keepers in the world.
The Chelsea coach – also saying the talks was mere speculation – was quoted from a recent press conference by Sky Sports as saying.
‘It is not important to clarify the situation about Thibaut. He is for me one of the best, if not the best goalkeeper in the world. He is working very well and he is a fantastic goalkeeper. He stays with us and this is the most important thing. The other situation is only speculation. This season he’s playing very well, and you can see that he’s not only very good with his hands, but also with his feet. Yes, I think he’s a complete goalkeeper. He’s a model goalkeeper.’
I have a feeling this Courtois saga will run a little while yet. Well, certainly in the media anyway.
Keeping it simple the realistic options – assuming Real really do what him – are that he’ll use this to gain an improved contract at Chelsea or that desire to join Los Blancos will drive up the asking price!
Alternatively – working on the assumption a new deal isn’t signed – he sees out his contract and leaves as a free agent in 2018…
