Manchester United keeper David de Gea may soon be following in the footsteps of former teammate Paul Pogba, and the likes of Dani Alves and Aaron Ramsay with a possible move to Juventus on a free transfer. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are rumoured to be pursuing Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak as a replacement.
Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea and Jan Oblak
Is David De Gea Eyeing up an Italian Job?
According to Mike McGrath of The Sun, De Gea is refusing to sign a £350,000-a-week deal offered by the Red Devils. With his contract expiring in the summer, the 28-year old Spanish star stopper could be the latest big-name star to join the Serie A champions. This is despite losing his international No.1 spot to Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, currently the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.
De Gea has remained on the bench for the last four of Spain’s international clashes. Though Arrizabalaga insists there is no animosity between them, and that the United stopper remained professional. Spanish manager Robert Moreno also claimed that Arrizabalaga’s spot is by no means undisputed.
De Gea has arguably suffered a loss in form over the last twelve months at United, including a gaffe against Crystal Palace gifting them the game and a 2-1 scoreline. Another mistake allowed Chelsea a draw at Old Trafford. Thus prompting both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri to leap to his defence, and journalists to question his form.
However, Juventus need to replace Wojciech Szczesny. The four-times winner of United’s Player of The Season award De Gea would certainly be a catch for the Italian champions. Especially if imported on yet another free transfer. The pull of Champion’s League football could also factor into the Spaniard’s decision.
Will Jan Oblak become a Red Devil?
With De Gea undecided and refusing to sign a new deal, United are already reported to be eyeing up his replacement. Neil Fissler of The Express is claiming that Atletico Madrid ‘keeper Jan Oblak tops the Red Devil’s shopping list.
The Slovenian international has been with Atletico for four years and has developed into one of the world’s leading goalkeepers. Sporting impressive statistics, he’s conceded just 96 goals from 156 La Liga appearances. He boasts 90 clean sheets and an impressive 385 saves. Ergo, he is arguably both improvement and replacement for long-standing stopper de Gea.
Juventus may be the favourites to bag de Gea, but they do have some competition. Paris Saint Germain have been sniffing around the Spaniard for some time. Manchester United have endured almost a year of refusing to sign a contract. It now seems the Premier League may be saying goodbye to one of its biggest stars in recent years. Whether it be Italy or France, de Gea looks certain to be on the move.
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