Arrived with great fanfare from Chelsea during the 2018 summer transfer window, Kepa Arrizabalaga, recruited in Bilbao for nearly 71.6 million pounds sterling (about 80 million euros), could soon pack up, he who has gradually lost his place in favor of Edouard Mendy, just titled with Senegal at the African Cup of Nations and recently voted best goalkeeper in the world. Author of two full seasons in goal when he arrived at the Blues, the 27-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has been chomping at the bit since then and has, in fact, only a short playing time (27 appearances in all competitions during the last two seasons). A direct consequence of the level of performance displayed by the former goalkeeper of Stade Rennais, Kepa could therefore arouse the interest of several European teams with a view to a transfer next summer.
As revealed by The Telegraph, this Friday morning, Chelsea could thus quickly be faced with a decision to make concerning the future of its last bastion, under contract until June 2025. Headaches in anticipation for the London leaders, with regard to the investment carried out to attract in its nets the Spaniard, native of Ondarroa. Luxury substitute in the absence of Edouard Mendy, who left for the CAN throughout the month of January, Kepa has, moreover, perfectly held his rank. What reinforce the potential candidates to position themselves on the international Roja (11 selections).
Kepa Arrizabalaga impressed in the absence of Edouard Mendy!
In seven appearances for Chelsea since the start of the calendar year, Kepa has also produced four clean sheets and conceded only three goals. Excellent in the narrow success of the Blues in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup against Al Hilal (1-0), notably making two impressive saves and once again keeping his clean sheet, Kepa would not leave the club indifferent. Spain where several clubs would be ready to take out the wallet to recover the child of the country. If none of them will come close to the astronomical amount paid by the last winner of the Champions League, Chelsea must therefore expect to decide on the future of their number 2 option.
Barred by the impressive Edouard Mendy but backed by goalkeeping coach Hilario and club legend Petr Cech, who is Chelsea’s technical and performance adviser, Kepa has never publicly complained about his status. of luxury joker. An attitude welcomed by the London club, which is however aware that the Spaniard is aiming for a much longer playing time to hope to overtake David de Gea and Unai Simon in the hierarchy and thus represent La Roja at the next World Cup scheduled for Qatar. . Therefore, it is a safe bet that in the event of concrete and interesting offers, Chelsea will not oppose the departure of their player. Especially since Mendy is already back at Stamford Bridge and Thomas Tuchel is considering, despite Kepa’s recent performances, starting him for the Club World Cup final, scheduled for this Saturday, against Brazilian club Palmeiras. .
