Chelsea star fails to turn up for training

Thibaut Courtois has gone AWOL according to Telegraph’s Matt Law. The Chelsea correspondent for the English publication claims that the Belgian goalkeeper failed to turn up at Chelsea yesterday.

The 26-year-old was scheduled to return to the club on Monday after his extended vacation due to his involvement in the World Cup. While all the other players have returned, the Belgian did not show up.

Real Madrid are keen on signing him this summer and have already tabled a bid for him. Reports suggest that the offer is of £35M+ but Chelsea have not accepted it yet.

The Blues are keen on signing a replacement first before letting him go. They have been linked with Jack Butland, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Sergio Rico, Jan Oblak, Jordan Pickford and Pepe Reina.

Courtois has just one year left on his contract and has refused to sign a new deal. He claims that he wants to be close to him kids who live in Madrid.

If Chelsea do not sell him this summer, he will have the freedom to sign a pre-contract with any club interested in him from January 2019. He will also be leaving the club on a free transfer.

Matt Law claims that Butland is currently on top of Chelsea’s wishlist. The Blues believe that can land him for £25 million following Stoke City’s relegation to the Championship.

Sevilla’s Sergio Rico is the second name on the list according to the report. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Spanish side.

Chelsea have a big decision to make and they have to make it quickly. The transfer window closes on Thursday and they will not be able to sign a player after that. Courtois can still leave for Madrid as the Spanish transfer window closes only on August 31st!