Arsenal And Chelsea Enter The Race For Jasper Cillessen
Liverpool have some fresh competition for the Barca man's signature.
Amidst reports that Jürgen Klopp wants £52.5 million-rated goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen as a straight replacement for Loris Karius at Liverpool, The Daily Mail have claimed that both Arsenal and Chelsea have now joined the race for the 29-year old.
Since signing for Barcelona from Ajax in 2016, the Dutchman has been little more than a backup option behind Marc-André ter Stegen at the Camp Nou. Cillessen has made a paltry 19 appearances in all competitions, and only managed 11 last season.
A move to England would surely appeal to him then, and it seems he'll have the luxury of picking between the Champions League finalists or two London rivals. Hardly the worst choice in the world for a keeper who, post-Ajax, has grown accustomed to warming the bench.
There doesn't appear to be a road back for Karius at Anfield after his nightmare in Kiev, and Arsenal will be keen to sign a long-term replacement for 36-year-old Petr Cech. Similarly, Chelsea may need a new keeper if Thibaut Courtois departs Stamford Bridge this summer.
Barca will only let Cillessen go if any potential buyers agree to (at least) meet his £52 million release clause.