Speaking on ESPN, former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf, Frank Lampard must sell under-fire Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The 25-year-old has been a massive let down since being brought in as the club’s record signing in 2018. His performances have failed to spark confidence and saw him get replaced by Willy Caballero in the final weeks of last season.
Chelsea have brought in Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva to reinforce the flagging defence. Leboeuf, however, believes the duo will thrive only if Kepa is out of the picture.
“He was very inconsistent last season, he has to go.”
Chelsea have been tipped to sell the underperforming goalkeeper. However, given his huge salary, Chelsea are finding it difficult to attract buyers.
To illustrate his point, Leboeuf compared our predicament to that of PSG, Silva’s former club.
He pointed out that the French champions only thrived after they replaced the inconsistent Alphonse Areola for Keylor Navas.
He has called for a similar situation at Stamford Bridge. Leboeuf believes both Chilwell and Silva will play better if they know they have a dependable goalkeeper behind them.
“When you’re a centre-half or a full-back you need to have a comfortable presence behind you so that if you’re in danger, you know the guy behind you will save you.”
As the last line of defence, a lack of trust between the custodian and his defence could prove catastrophic. Kepa has done little last season to earn that confidence.
Kepa is keen to stay on and fight for his place at the Bridge. This has however not stopped Chelsea from looking at other goalkeepers.
According to Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Daily Star), Chelsea target Edouard Mendy is the latest player to be linked with us.
Leboeuf’s comments are not without substance, especially given what he has seen at PSG and Chelsea.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea bring in a new keeper. If not, Kepa will have no room for error in what could be a decisive season for him.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Chelsea should been given a penalty after the…
Chelsea ready to spoil Barcelona's dream signing of Estevao Willian Chelsea are ready to go…
Mykhaylo Mudryk urges Chelsea fans to lower their hopes from him next season Chelsea star…
Alan Shearer feels Mauricio Pochettino has received unfair criticism at Chelsea Alan Shearer has shown…
Chelsea directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart will be once again in charge of club's…
Simon Jordan full of praise for Chelsea star Cole Palmer Chelsea's season has been a…