Transfer News: Napoli are interested in Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga
According to journalist Nick Purewal on Twitter (h/t football.london), SSC Napoli have followed up their interest in Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Italian side are open to either a loan move or a permanent transfer.
Kepa has had a rocky time at Stamford Bridge ever since his world-record transfer from the Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for £71 million. The Spanish international was bought in to replace Thibaut Courtois who departed for Real Madrid earlier that summer.
Kepa was instrumental in Chelsea’s Europa League winning campaign during the 2018/19 season. The first choice-goalkeeper, he was the man between the sticks for Chelsea till Edouard Mendy joined from Stade Rennais in 2020 and replaced him as the first-choice keeper.
The Senegal international has been incredibly good between the sticks and has pushed Kepa down the pecking order. This is apparent from the fact that Kepa managed to make only 15 appearances for the club last season.
Kepa has always given his best and made his case to become the number one starter for the Blues, but given Mendy’s status as first-choice remains undisputed coupled with Thomas Tuchel’s trust in the Senegal international, means that it is very likely that Kepa will remain the second-choice in next season.
Napoli’s interest in the Spaniard could entice him to leave Stamford Bridge if it is a chance for him to become a first-choice elsewhere. But as mentioned in the tweet, the 27-year-old’s transfer fee could be a problem. Chelsea will do well to recoup some of the money which they spent on him and also free up space in the wage bill for the club to sign other players.
Given that the World Cup is in November, Kepa could use this opportunity to ply his trade elsewhere and hope to make the Spanish National team which will travel to Qatar for the cup. An incredible goalkeeper, he is too good to be on the bench for Chelsea and might we say even too costly.
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It will be beneficial for both parties if Kepa can leave. Although he is a fantastic backup, it is only natural for a player his stature to want to be the first choice. Maybe a loan deal will help the player regain his form and prove to Tuchel why he should replace Mendy. It remains to be seen where he will play next season.