Chelsea looking to part ways with Kepa Arrizabalaga today as deadline approaches soon
In what is a surprise deadline day news, the Daily Star claims that Chelsea are looking to part ways with Kepa Arrizabalaga later today.
The Spaniard was brought in for a world-record £71.6m to replace Thibaut Courtois. Despite the initial promise, the 26-year-old has failed to showcase he has it in him to become an elite custodian.
Kepa’s form prompted Chelsea to bring in Senegalese international Edouard Mendy last summer. While the 28-year-old isn’t without his faults, he has presented the club with a much more dependable option in comparison to Kepa.
Kepa’s horrors have seen him drop down the pecking order even at the international level. He is now behind David de Gea and Unai Simon in Luis Enrique’s Spain side. (h/t The Sun)
The 26-year-old is aware that he needs to be playing first-team football to stand any hope of making Spain’s Euro 2020 squad. His dreams of playing in Spain’s group game against Slovakia at the home of former club Athletic Bilbao linger on it. (h/t The Sun)
The player was also said to be willing to take a pay cut to end his Stamford Bridge nightmare. With just hours to go before the window closes, it remains to be seen if the Blues can in fact find a taker for the Spaniard.
A long-term plan?
Chelsea could move for Gianluigi Donnarumma if they do manage to sell off Kepa. The 21-year-old is already a seasoned professional having started in goal for AC Milan since the age of 16.
One of the best young goalkeepers in world football, Donnarumma could potentially be a free agent this summer. Talks with Milan over an extension have yet to come to fruition, leaving the door open for Chelsea to make their move.
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At 26, Kepa has the best years of his career ahead of him. Rather than stay on the bench at Chelsea, he will do well to go on and rekindle his career elsewhere.
Whether an exit can be arranged today remains to be seen.