Newcastle United are considering a loan move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga
According to The Athletic [subscription required], Newcastle United could be contemplating a loan move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga
The Magpies have been strengthened with some heavy resources after being taken over by the Saudi-led consortium. The Tyneside-based club flexed its financial might in January by spending over £90million on incoming transfers. This has brought about a renewed sense of enthusiasm as the club has slowly started to distance itself from any possible relegation battle.
It is now believed that the Tyneside-based club could be looking to make a move for the Spaniard keeper who currently plays second fiddle to Edouard Mendy at Stamford Bridge. Whilst the 27-year-old has had to endure some tough times with the West Londoners, it felt as though he was just about starting to make a strong claim for starters.
Kepa to Tyneside?
Kepa did prove to be a dependable backup in the absence of Mendy during the African Cup of Nations. Whilst Arrizabalaga was an integral part of the squad that played in the EFL Cup this campaign, his missed penalty in the final coupled with the inability to save a single opposition shot in the penalty shoot-out saw him receive a lot of flak.
Despite that the Spanish international has shown signs of resurgence and could be a great asset should things go in his favour. It is believed that Newcastle could be interested in the former Athletic Bilbao keeper due to the quality that he possesses with the ball at his feet.
Whilst the possibility of loaning a goalie was considered in January, it could become more of a priority in the coming transfer window for the Toons. Eddie Howe could be looking for more competition to their currently established shot-stopper Martin Dubravka who could be entering into the latter years of his career at 33.
Arrizabalaga’s performances may have blown hot and cold throughout his tenure at Chelsea. That being said, it is highly unlikely that the Blues would want to let go of their Spanish keeper considering the fact that they do not possess a suitable replacement in the position.
This could harm Chelsea should the Senegalese keeper not be available due to injury or international duty. While that may be true, the prospect of getting more regular minutes could be very tempting at the moment. At 27, Kepa would want to feature regularly so as to boost his chances of becoming a starter in the national squad.
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The apparent interest from the magpies could be a warning sign for the Blues. Should any kind of move be on the cards, the club would do well to bring in a suitable replacement who could fill in for Edouard Mendy without looking out of place in that backline.