Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future at Stamford Bridge remains doubtful amid reports suggesting that Frank Lampard has made his mind up on selling the Spaniard this summer. The Blues’ goalkeeper has been rumored to be on the way out of the Chelsea FC squad in recent weeks.
Reports claim that Blues manager Frank Lampard has been skeptical about Kepa being Chelsea FC’s first-choice goalkeeper next season as well. With Lampard in the process of rebuilding the Blues’ side with new acquisitions, there is a feeling that Kepa may get the axe.
Having signed for Chelsea FC from La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, Kepa’s purchase cost the west London Premier League side a record sum of €80 million. The Blues, however, are certain to lose out on a significant amount of money if they go ahead with their decision to sell the Spanish goalkeeper.
The 2019-20 season has been one with mixed fortunes for Kepa in the Blues’ shirt. His form saw a drastic downward spiral towards the end of 2019. The 25-year old Spaniard was then benched in favor of veteran Argentine international Willy Caballero assuming the duties of Chelsea FC’s first-choice shot-stopper.
Post the lockdown period, Kepa has reclaimed his position between the sticks in the Chelsea FC starting lineup. The Spanish international has started all the past five Premier League games played by the Blues since the restart of English top-flight football.
However, Kepa’s performances have not been encouraging for Lampard to entrust his faith in the 25-year old as Chelsea FC’s No.1 for the coming years. The Spaniard has been unconvincing when dealing with crosses and long balls. Moreover, Kepa’s handling of long-range shorts has been met with criticism from fans and football pundits alike.
The Blues have conceded seven goals in their last five games in the Premier League. The lone clean sheet came against basement side Watford FC. Kepa has endured a series of error-prone performances throughout the course of these fixtures.
Ajax’s André Onana and Everton FC’s Jordan Pickford have been rumored to be Lampard’s preferred alternatives for Kepa. Both goalkeepers are fairly young in age and have been in solid form for their teams for the past couple of years.
