It wasn't too long ago that goalkeeper appeared a position of major strength for Chelsea. The undisputed first choice was the dependable Edouard Mendy, who played a sizeable role in the club's 2021 Champions League triumph. And Kepa Arrizabalaga – confidence restored after a hugely difficult spell – was the Senegal international's deputy.
"We are very privileged to have Edou and Kepa in our squad," said Thomas Tuchel at the end of last season. "I know that Kepa is not happy about the situation – he deserves to play more and he can be a strong number one. I can tell you that he is a fantastic team player since day one and always was and never let anybody down. As a coach, I'm super happy to have two strong goalkeepers."
Kepa explored a move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer but genuine interest in the world's most expensive goalkeeper (£71.3million) from clubs in Serie A came to nothing. His salary, around £190,00-a-week, was a major stumbling block as to why a loan switch could not be financed.
