Chelsea have been instructed to withdraw from their transfer agreement with Arsenal and retain Kepa Arrizabalaga at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are nearing a £5m agreement for Kepa and intended for the Spanish goalie to be Mikel Arteta ’s No. 2 behind David Raya .
Last season, Neto took on that role but failed to instill faith among supporters. He has since gone back to his hometown team, Bournemouth, which previously had Kepa on loan.
In 2018, Chelsea shelled out £72 million for Kepa, setting a world record for the highest fee paid for a goalkeeper. However, they are now prepared to accept a significant write-down.
Kepa found it difficult to live up to his expensive transfer fee at Chelsea prior to losing his spot in the starting lineup and subsequently being dispatched on two separate loans, initially to Real Madrid followed by Bournemouth.
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Despite their interest in signing a new goalkeeper this summer, Chelsea appear likely to offload Kepa. unsuccessful in attempting to sign Mike Maignan .
Robert Sanchez had a frustrating season, and many analysts think he will have to improve significantly. Chelsea requires an upgrade to advance to the next level. and win major trophies.
The ex-Chelsea forward Pat Nevin thinks that his old team might be able to conserve millions in transfer expenses by retaining Kepa instead of acquiring a new goalkeeper.
He mentioned, 'The goalie role is challenging for Chelsea since their priority is to find young talent.' Spin Genie .
'However, goalkeepers, similar to center backs, typically only reach their prime when they're about 25 or 26 years old. These are two particularly distinctive roles in this aspect.'
Chelsea's goalkeeper options
- Robert Sanchez
- Filip Jorgensen
- Mike Penders
- Gaga Slonina
- Lucas Bergstrom
- Kepa Arrizabalaga
'We all admire Jordan Pickford; he would excel. His ability to stop shots is exceptional, and handling the ball isn’t an issue for him either. However, acquiring him would require significant funds, which I doubt will go towards strengthening this goalie spot.'
'Check out whose names are already listed with Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Gabriel Slonina, Djordje Petrovic, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.'
'I believe the solution to their goalkeeper issue might already be within the club. Kepa is just as capable as any of the keepers we've discussed, and he remains an option that I feel deserves another look for Chelsea.'
'I'm uncertain whether the ownership regime shares the same view, but he's present at their expense.'
‘If he’s the best option at the club, after learning a lot of things while out on loan this season, Chelsea shouldn’t be looking all around the world for another goalkeeper.
‘Kepa has got better with his feet and is a fantastic shot-stopper. While you can question his presence and it’s a challenge Chelsea face, I don’t think it’s their biggest problem.’
Fellow ex-Chelsea star Shaun Wright-Phillips also thinks it would be unwise to offload Kepa. , particularly against a direct competitor.
'I am puzzled. I do not comprehend,' Wright-Phillips stated. Betway When questioned about Kepa’s upcoming transfer to the Emirates Stadium.
'It seems like no one has been paying attention to Kepa this season. He has been outstanding. He played a significant role in Bournemouth's final position.'
'The defense put up an excellent performance, but Kepa was also incredible, in my opinion.'
'I thought during the season that Chelsea wouldn’t need to purchase a new goalkeeper since Kepa was returning regardless, but things have turned out differently.'
'No matter how excellent your goalkeeper may be, if you continue making errors in defense, your goalkeeper will keep letting goals in.'
'That’s simply how things stand. When Liverpool's goalkeeper, Alisson, is called upon, he makes incredible saves. Often, these aren’t even due to mistakes from the opposing team.'
'If Chelsea can solidify their defense in such a way that they aren't forcing him into saves he shouldn't realistically have to make, then I believe Kepa is the right choice to maintain his clean sheet. There’s no need to look elsewhere.'
'Most managers nowadays are seeking goalkeepers who excel with their feet. I believe Kepa is competent with his feet, but he may still fall short of the standard they expect from him.'
'However, for me, it’s quite an odd one.'
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