With Thibaut Courtois now inside the final 18 months of his Chelsea contract, the Blues remain hopeful that the Belgian will put pen-to-paper on a new contract despite interest from Real Madrid and PSG.
Courtois initially rejected Chelsea’s opening contract offer but aware of what the 25-year-old offers the side, his potential in the game and the cost of replacing him, Chelsea willingly bowed to his demands and agreed to pay the former Genk standout a whopping £200,000-a-week, which would make him the best-paid goalkeeper in history.
Despite that offer, which has been on the table since the back end of 2017, Courtois still hasn’t signed the contract as he’s aware that both Real Madrid and PSG are waiting in the wings.
Madrid want to replace Keylor Navas but haven’t decided upon a top target to pursue in the summer with both Courtois and Manchester United’s David De Gea on their shortlist.
United recently triggered a clause in the Spaniard’s contract which sees his deal extended until 2020 but the Red Devils are still eager to handing De Gea improved terms to fend off interest from Madrid.
Both De Gea and Courtois are former Atletico Madrid stoppers themselves and have expressed their interest in returning to Madrid in one form or another.
It’s believed that Madrid do slightly favour De Gea but given Courtois’ contract situation, they could decide to pounce on the Belgian and hope he continues holding out on signing the contract Chelsea have offered until April when they will make a definitive decision on who they want to sign.
Speaking about his future, Courtois confirms he’s yet to make a final decision.
I have not made a decision on my future. I said my heart was in Madrid, because I have my two children there, and it was misinterpreted. This situation is not easy for me.
I still have a year on my contract [at Chelsea], I am happy and I can also extend. I do not forget that Chelsea has supported me since the beginning.
I do not think Florentino Perez will call me, but he will call my agent who will listen to him.
