Chelsea FC goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is subject to interest from La Liga side Valencia FC. The Spanish side are looking to sign the Blues shot-stopper on a two-year loan deal in the summer. Recent reports have indicated that there is doubt over Kepa being a Chelsea FC player next season.
It is believed that a loan move for the Spaniard would involve a buyout clause on behalf of Valencia FC. The La Liga side are considering Kepa as a replacement for their current first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. The Dutch international is expected to leave the club in the summer.
Kepa signed for the Blues in 2018 for a world record fee of for a goalkeeper, that amounted to £72million. He previously played in the La Liga for Athletic Bilbao, where his performances had earned him rave reviews across Europe.
Upon signing for Chelsea FC, Kepa had to shoulder the huge responsibility of replacing Thibaut Courtois, who had made a move to Real Madrid. The Spaniard had performed well in his first season at Stamford Bridge. However, he was infamously involved in a heated argument with then Chelsea FC manager Maurizio Sarri in the 2019 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City FC.
However, during Frank Lampard’s reign as the Blues manager, Kepa has endured mixed fortunes. Disappointing performances from Kepa have led to Lampard dropping the Spaniard from his starting lineup. Instead, 38-year old Willy Cabellero has replaced him as the Blues first-choice goalkeeper.
Despite Kepa starting both Chelsea FC games post lockdown, there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding his future in the Blues shirt. The 25-year old is rumoured to be wanting to leave Stamford Bridge as he seeks first-team assurances. Kepa is concerned about not being selected as Spain’s first-team goalkeeper in next year’s UEFA Euros.
If Kepa does decide to leave the Blues, Frank Lampard is expected to sign Andre Onana, who plays for Ajax FC.
Onana is a brilliant goalkeeper and had performed exceptionally well in last season’s Champions League when Ajax had reached the semi-finals.
