Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said he was not surprised with rumours linking goalkeeper Jan Oblak with Chelsea move.
Reports from the Mirror and Diario AS said Chelsea are interested in bringing the 27-year-old to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Mirror claimed the Blues eye a player-plus-cash deal, while AS said Chelsea are willing to spend €100million (£90.5m) for the goalkeeper.
For Atletico boss Simeone, however, such rumours are not a surprise, as he considers the Slovenia international as one of the best.
Speaking to the media ahead of their game against Getafe, the manager said (as quoted by Goal): “It does not surprise me, every year our most important players are wanted by the best in the world.
“It is normal to always look for the best – and we have many. Some have left and others have stayed.
“It is logical and normal that anyone wants Oblak. He is our captain and an important player.
“I hope we can count on his work, which is enormous for Atleti.”
Simeone added that Oblak has characteristic and value which unsurprisingly attract top clubs.
“He is decisive and important in the dressing room year after year. He has evolved in every way, as a goalkeeper and within the group,” he added.
Oblak has kept 16 clean sheets from 36 La Liga games this season, ranked second just below Real Madrid and ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (18 clean sheets).
For comparison, Kepa Arrizabalaga has had just eight clean sheets in 32 appearances in Premier League.
He signed a new four-year deal (until 2023) with Atletico last year. The deal has reportedly raised his release clause from €100m (£90.8m) to €120m (£108.9m).