Chelsea had two of the world’s best goalkeepers on their books this time last year, but they opted to sell Petr Cech in the summer.
The decision to let Cech join rivals Arsenal, left Blues no.1 Thibaut Courtois without a world-class rival at Stamford Bridge.
Arguably, that lack of competition has hindered the progress of Courtois and contributed to a handful of costly errors by the Belgian stopper, including the poor punch that gifted Stoke City a point at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.
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Despite Courtois showing signs of fallibility, the London Evening Standard report that Real Madrid remain interested in making a move for him.
The 23-year-old was the subject of an approach from Real last year, according to Standard Sport, who claim Chelsea’s response was to place a £73m valuation on his head.
Standard Sport say that valuation – which converts to just over €92m – has not changed and, although the player is keen to return to La Liga, Chelsea hope that their big asking price will scare Real away.
Courtois has been limited to 19 Premier League starts this season due to injury issues. Between them, he and summer signing Asmir Begovic have conceded 41 goals in 30 games, keeping just eight clean sheets.
The Blues kept 17 clean sheets in 38 league matches last term, letting in just 32 goals.
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Who is the better goalkeeper, right now? #CFC #AFC
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) March 23, 2016
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