Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid: Chelsea goalkeeper situation uncertain as Asmir Begovic wants first-team football

Futures of Courtois and Begovic both uncertain

Tuesday 12 April 2016 09:07 BST

Antonio Conte could become Chelsea manager with no clear idea of who his No 1 goalkeeper will be as questions hang over the heads of both Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic.

The Italian, who will take charge at Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016, spoke to both players as part of a series of meetings with players at Cobham training ground last week.

However, the futures of both Courtois and Begovic are still up in the air, according to the Daily Telegraph, albeit for different reasons.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

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1/1414 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Diego Costa

The controversial striker is reportedly unhappy in England and believes that the country’s referees and media are targeting him. A move back to Atletico Madrid could be on the cards if the new manager cannot convince him to stay.

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14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Thibaut Courtois

The goalkeeper’s form has suffered since his knee injury earlier this season and, according to reports, Conte could cash in while the Belgium international’s value remains high. A wise move?

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Radamel Falcao

The desperately out-of-form striker has confirmed that he will return to Monaco for pre-season training, bringing an end to what has been a disastrous two-year spell in England.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Loic Remy

Another player in need of a fresh start. He’s been a small fish in a big pond ever since joining Chelsea but has enough quality to become the focal point of an attack elsewhere.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Nemanja Matic

His fall from grace has slightly overlooked this season. Imperious upon arrival, he’s fallen behind John Obi Mikel in the pecking order – a state of affairs that many would barely be able to believe this time last year.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Alexandre Pato

Despite his brilliant debut at Villa Park, the Brazilian may have done too little too late to earn a permanent contract. Any offer would be a mistake unless he can definitively answer questions over his fitness.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Oscar

One of the few players in the squad who can provide the odd moment of magic but infuriatingly inconsistent. The Brazil international can still command a decent market price and is therefore dispensable.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Nathan Ake (Watford)

The 21-year-old defender spent last season on loan with Watford, and he will continue his Premier League education this term with Bournemouth after joining the Cherries in a season-long loan.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Romelu Lukaku (Everton)

The Belgium international has made no secret of his desires to play for a Champions League club and, according to The Independent’s Mark Ogden, Conte has made him his number one priority this summer.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich)

Formerly an all-action enforcer in Conte’s successful Juventus sides, the Chile international would bring steel and dynamism to Chelsea’s central midfield. The likelihood of prising him Bayern Munich’s hands, however, could be slim.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Radja Nainggolan (Roma)

A suitable back-up plan if Vidal is not a practical target. The Belgium international has the quality to fit in at an elite club.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> John Stones (Everton)

Chelsea’s high-profile pursuit of the defender was ultimately fruitless and, in the time since, he’s shown he’s probably not yet worth Everton’s asking price of £40million. However, with Terry on his way, a centre-back is needed. Will Conte pay the premium on Stones’ potential?

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Andreas Christensen (Borussia Monchengladbach)

The 19-year-old defender is currently on loan in Germany and his current club are desperate to make the deal permanent, so impressive has he been. Chelsea, however, would be foolish to let another talented youngster slip from out their grasp, especially when he could be a cut-price improvement in a key area.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)

Conte’s arrival could be the reprieve that the Colombian’s Chelsea career needs but the question is – does he actually want to move back to the Bridge? After a successful period on loan in Serie A, the league in which he made his name, he may be the one who needs convincing.

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Courtois, 23, has been the club's first-choice since returning from a three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid at the start of last season. The Belgian was hugely impressive in his first season at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea won the tite, performances that convinced the Blues to sell club great Petr Cech to Arsenal against former manager Jose Mourinho's wishes.

However, Courtois missed 17 games at the start of the season with a knee injury and since returning has looked far from his best, much like the rest of Chelsea's defending champions.

The goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Real Madrid all season and fueled rumours that he may be considering his future at the club while on international duty with Belgium.

Real Madrid made an enquriry for the keeper last summer, but were told by Chelsea that the price was set at £73million - a fee they would not match at the moment. Real Madrid are desperate for a new long-term No 1, Manchester United's David De Gea also continues to be linked, and Courtois remains an extremely attractive target.

Asmir Begovic is said to want regular football again (Getty Images)

A strong performance at Euro 2016 could tempt them to make a big offer.

Begovic, on the other hand, will enter the summer wanting a greater clarification on his future at the club. The Bosnian deputised very well for Courtois between September and December, but has played just twice since Guus Hiddink took interim charge.

The former Stoke City man, 28, is believed to want first-team football again.

The Blues, of course, would not want to get rid of Begovic without knowing where Courtois' future lies.

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