Chelsea are close to entering into a new era where they will welcome new ownership. With this now being a certainty, it’s impossible to imagine what could possibly change within the club. Transfer targets will now come into question and the summer window could define the future for certain players. Including Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The goalkeeper has had enough time in the limelight this season to warrant a transfer. Prior to Roman Abramovich’s sanctioning, he was linked previously linked with Lazio and Newcastle. Whilst the interest from these clubs sound tantalising, Chelsea should be careful when making their inevitable decision. Is it worth the risk? Let’s see.
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper could be searching for a new footballing home. The £72 million Spaniard is yet to live up to the price tag since joining from Athletic Bilbao and will probably not have the opportunity to if he stays with Chelsea. Whilst some fans admire Kepa Arrizabalaga's willingness to do his best when called upon, it may not be enough.
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The reality is, the hefty price tag comes with an expectation from both parties. The expectation was never to remain as a back-up option to £22 million Edouard Mendy. He was supposed to be the main man. So what should Chelsea do?
What I think Chelsea SHOULD do.
The Blues face a difficult decision. Just like any other armchair fan, I’d like to think that I know what’s best for my club. If it had been a decision for me, it would be easy. Let him go! The 27-year-old has the rest of his career ahead of him and he has to move on. Since moving to Stamford Bridge in 2018, his career has just been on a downward trajectory. The incident between him and former manager Maurizio Sarri where he refused to be substituted off in the Carabao Cup final set the tone for his Chelsea career.
The main positive to come from his time here has been his famous record of penalty saves - not including the dreadful run of attempts in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool earlier this season.
At the moment, his confidence is high. Taking Edouard Mendy’s spot whilst he headed off for Africa Cup of Nations duty with eventual tournament winners Senegal, Kepa developed a rhythm of good games. Most notably against Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.
Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Chelsea's keeper, and will monitor the situation. As the Magpies look to create their dream team to contend for a top-four place, adding Kepa to the squad would be another step in the right direction.
What I think Chelsea WILL do.
Again, I would say I know what’s best for the club, however, Marina Granovskaia, Petr Cech, Thomas Tuchel and their team of decision makes probably know better than me.
I do not believe a decision would be made lightly, but the Spaniard has until 2025 until he can take matters into his own hands. With three years still left on his current deal and Chelsea entering a new era, they’d probably want to keep as many players as they can. Kepa is one of them.
It’ll be a tough task to find a second string goalkeeper of top quality that would make an offer of staying on the bench. Unless Chelsea would prefer a Gianluigi Buffon-type player who is experienced enough to fill in, but hungry enough to still want a top spot.
There are not many options out there that Chelsea can quickly go for in a short space of time. If the Blues do opt to sell, then I can guarantee that Cech already has the perfect replacement in his sight. Of course, he just has to deal with the drama that he and the Chelsea board are currently facing right now.
So, the question is, should Chelsea sell or not? I wish I had a definitive answer and could see into the future. Maybe I’d be able to put everybody’s mind at ease. But unfortunately, I do not possess the gift of an oracle. One thing is for certain, Kepa will need a miracle to return as Chelsea’s No. 1 keeper, and he knows it.
He also knows that he will need regular game time to return to the Spain squad after being out for almost two years in order to try to secure his place in Luis Enrique's World Cup squad. So what will Kepa do about it? We shall see in the summer.
