PSG Transfer News: Thibaut Courtois Interested in Summer Transfer from Chelsea

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is reportedly "very interested" in joining Paris Saint-Germain, but the Blues are said to be prepared to keep their star until his contract expires in 2019.

French radio station RMC Sport (h/t Sport Witness) reported a source close to Chelsea said the club would be willing to risk losing their 'keeper for free next summer.

Sport Witness also referred to a March report from Le Parisien, which said PSG director of football Antero Henrique had met with Courtois one month prior, and it appears his motivations to move may have grown since then.

Chelsea don't look likely to feature in the UEFA Champions League next season, which will harm their chances of retaining the top talents in their squad next season and in the years following unless they can make a return.

Blues boss Antonio Conte has previously remarked upon the matter as one he wants to see resolved, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

However, Conte's position at the club is also under fire, per Dominic Fifield, Sid Lowe and Paul Doyle of the Guardian, which is only likely to fuel any indecision felt by some key players regarding their west London futures.

According to RMC Sport, PSG are in talks with Courtois' representatives, and although Chelsea are aware of their prying glance, they're prepared to dig in their heels and keep Courtois until the end of his deal.

Alphonse Areola has been the French outfit's main goalkeeper this season, but Kieran Canning of AFP not long ago critiqued PSG's unwillingness to invest as heavily in areas that require it as in areas that perhaps don't:

It was only last season that Chelsea raved to the Premier League title in their first season under Conte's tutelage, but their fall from grace in this term's title defence has been reflected across the club and the squad.

Conte didn't give the most compassionate-sounding response when asked for his take on the Courtois situation recently, via Unibet:

Being forced to play at Stamford Bridge next season in the absence of Champions League football won't be entertaining for Courtois if he feels he has an opportunity to play elsewhere.

What's more, there could be an opening for new competition at PSG, too, after Tuttomercatoweb suggested reserve stopper Kevin Trapp could return to his native Germany, per Goal's Ronan Murphy:

Courtois is one of the longest-serving players left at Chelsea, having arrived at the club in July 2011, but outside interest could spell the beginning of an uncomfortable final year at Stamford Bridge.