New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is willing to start next season with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his No1. goalkeeper - despite being warned that he isn't "physically or mentally strong enough."
A resurgent campaign from Kepa, 28, was one of the few positives for Chelsea last season, as the Blues slumped to a humiliating 12th-placed finish in the Premier League. Pochettino doesn't officially succeed interim boss Frank Lampard until July 1, but he's well on with establishing who he wants in his squad.
The former Tottenham manager has faith in Kepa, believing that the Spain international can go to the 'next level' by working alongside him and trusted goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez, according to the Evening Standard. Pochettino's decision has seen Chelsea abandon their pursuit of a new first-choice goalkeeper, with current backup Edouard Mendy the one set to be replaced as he's close to sealing a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
But Kepa doesn't convince everyone, particularly Stan Collymore. The ex- Nottingham Forest and Liverpool striker has slammed the 28-year-old for being "weak," urging Pochettino to replace him with compatriot David Raya during the summer transfer window.
"It seems Mauricio Pochettino is happy to go into the new season with Kepa as his number one," Collymore wrote in his column for Caught Offside. "But that's going to be a problem in my opinion because the Spaniard is weak - he isn't physically or mentally strong enough to be the Blues' outright number one.
"Just like Manchester United shouldn't be starting next season with David de Gea or Dean Henderson in between the sticks, Chelsea shouldn't be playing with Kepa. Those two clubs, as well as Tottenham, all need new number ones.
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"I know Daniel Levy is in the process of trying to sign David Raya from Brentford, but while the Bees' £40million asking price remains a sticking point, why on Earth aren't Chelsea and Manchester United trying their luck? He's a good 'keeper."
Continuing his argument, Collymore added: "The problem, especially with Chelsea, is that there is no spine to their team. They've got a lot of flair players and the majority of their best players play out wide, but the centre of their team, from back to front is really lacking.
"So, once again, Chelsea need to make a lot of signings, and in my opinion, when the spine of your team needs rebuilding, it should always start with signing a new goalkeeper."
It's understood that the Blues will move to recruit a new second-choice goalkeeper who's able to push Kepa. Valencia's 22-year-old Georgian starlet Giorgi Mamardashvili is reported to be on Chelsea's shortlist.
