Kepa Arrizabalaga reacts to Chelsea’s interest in Edouard Mendy
According to the London is Blue podcast cited by Metro, Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga is ready to fight for his place as rumours of Edouard Mendy get stronger.
The Blues star has failed to inspire confidence after a shaky season in goal last time around.
His inability to command his area and stop goals saw him get benched in favour of Willy Caballero as the season drew to a close.
Chelsea have shown this summer that they mean business and have invested heavily in their squad. Another player who appears to be on his way to the Bridge is Rennes star Mendy.
The 28-year-old has shown himself to be a reliable shot-stopper last season as the French side finished third in the league. This saw them qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Bringing in the 28-year-old will see him compete alongside Kepa for the starting role. In many ways, Mendy is a direct remedy to the area Kepa is found wanting in.
According to WhoScored (h/t Football.london), 94 goalkeepers made 20 appearances or more in Europe’s top five leagues last season. Among those Mendy ranked ninth in terms of average save success with 75.3% while Kepa was the last with 53.9%.
Kepa’s future at the club has been the subject of much speculation. He now looks set to stay on and will continue to don the number 1 jersey next season.
All is not lost for the Spaniard. If he steps up and rises to the occasion, there is no reason why he cannot rebuild his Chelsea future. In Mendy, he could have a real competitor that will demand nothing but the best.
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Chelsea kick off their 2020/21 Premier League campaign away to Brighton on September 14. It remains to be seen if Kepa will be brought back into the lineup.