'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In 2018, some reports have emerged linking Thibaut Courtois with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, as Los Blancos continue their search for a long-term replacement for Keylor Navas.
Reportedly a fallback option if Real Madrid fails to get De Gea, Courtois is believed to be desperate for a move back to Madrid - where his family resides.
The player is clearly stalling his contract negotiations with the club as he would be entering the last 12 months of his current deal.
That said, here is a list of goalkeepers who can fill in for the Belgian at the Stamford Bridge.
#5 Nick Pope
Nick Pope, the Burnley shot-stopper used to be Tom Heaton's understudy at the club. However, with the latter's injury, the Englishman has risen to the occasion and grabbed all the spotlight at the Turf Moor.
The 25-year-old has kept ten clean sheets for the club this season in the league. His bravery in one-on-one situations is commendable.
Pope has denied some of the amazing strikes from almost point-blank range and has some extraordinary reflexes.
In Pope, Chelsea would get a player on whom they can bank on for at least a decade. However, it remains to be seen if Sean Dyche is willing to part ways with his shot-stopper.
Also read: 5 players who could leave Chelsea this summer
#4 Sergio Rico
The Spanish goalkeeper has been a delight to watch this season. He has 13 clean sheets to show off in his 39 appearances, this season.
His latest performance against Manchester United has proved to be a crucial audition for him on the English soil.
The 24-year-old made some breath-taking saves to deny United on numerous occasions.
The goalkeeper has shown his quality in the air and his positioning and reading of the game make him even valuable.
According to reports, the player is on Chelsea's radar for the summer. It would be a prudent investment for the club in form of the Sevilla man.
#3 Jack Butland
The youngster may need some introduction but he is clearly one of the most talented players in England. Butland currently plays for Stoke City.
The 24-year-old is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the League only to be bettered by De Gea, Ederson or Courtois.
He has 19 clean sheets to his name in 70 appearances (not to mention the quality of defence in front of him).
The Londoners had been linked with the player earlier in 2017. The Englishman would not cost a fortune to the Blues.
Moreover, in him, Chelsea would get a player who has proven himself in the Premier League and has a long enough career in front of him.
#2 Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker is a name which needs absolutely no introduction in the Italian Serie A. The Roma number #1 has been in sensational form this season.
The Brazilian goalkeeper already has 13 clean sheets for the club in his 29 league appearances this season.
Liverpool tried to sign the player in January and reportedly had a bid rejected by the Italian side.
The player is on high demands ahead of this summer. Chelsea would be facing competitions from the likes of PSG and Liverpool.
However, the player would be a quality replacement for the Belgian at the Bridge.
#1 Jan Oblak
Atletico Madrid has boasted some quality goalkeepers between the sticks. Oblak, the Slovenian arrived at the club in 2014 to fill in for Courtois who was returning to Chelsea.
He has been a consistent performer for Atletico in the past few seasons and is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in La Liga alongside Barcelona's Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
The goalkeeper has 22 clean sheets to his name for this season, so far. His consistency holds the key to the side's tremendous defensive record.
However, the player has continuously been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital.
Chelsea has heavily been reported to be an interested party for the player's signature in the summer. The 25-year-old is the one who can maintain the goalkeeping standards at the Bridge.
