There was a point at which Kepa Arrizabalaga appeared to have no long-term future at Chelsea. Countless errors had been made, his confidence had been obliterated, and a new goalkeeper was signed to replace him as number one. Yet he remained at Stamford Bridge.
A key reason as to why was the contract the goalkeeper signed when Chelsea paid £71.6million to sign him from Athletic Club, a world-record fee for a goalkeeper. Kepa agreed to a seven-year deal worth around £190,000-per-week. It was a salary no club – understandably given his form – was willing to take on after his demotion under Frank Lampard.
The length of the contract did offer Kepa protection and for two seasons he played deputy to Edouard Mendy. There were sporadic appearances in the Premier League and outings in domestic cup competitions. A couple of appearances in the Champions League were also made by the Spaniard.
