Chelsea new boy Kepa Arrizabalaga has claimed the Blues’ interest in him was a major reason why he decided to move in the summer.
The Spaniard was signed by Chelsea for a world record fee of £71.6million (h/t Metro) from Athletic Bilbao but the report claims Real Madrid were interested in the keeper a few months earlier.
Arrizabalaga was asked if not facing Bilbao was important in his decision to leave and the keeper was quoted by the Metro as saying:
“I don’t know. It’s true it’s taken me away from home and the circle I’ve always grown up in.
“It’s important for my career. It’s true I’m going to another league, and I would only face Athletic in European competition – which would be a good sign for both clubs.
“So maybe [not having to play against Athletic was important]. But above all else what weighed most was the interest from Chelsea and how much they showed they wanted to sign me.”
The youngster added that we are a great club and have won a number of trophies in the recent past. Chelsea paid a record amount for the 23-year-old and Arrizabalaga seems ready to repay the Blues’ trust.
“I’m happy for all the effort that Chelsea has made because it’s not easy to pay those amounts and I’m looking forward to returning it on the field.”
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Arrizabalaga hasn’t been convincing at times but he has helped us to four wins from four. The Spaniard is young and has a lot of potential to get better.
Hopefully, with more games under his belt, Arrizabalaga becomes one of the best in the world and justifies his price-tag in the coming years.