Transfer News: Chelsea offer Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan to Valencia
According to transfer news from Spanish publication El Gol Digital (h/t football.london), Chelsea have offered La Liga outfit Valencia an opportunity to sign goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan. This move comes after the Blues signed Marcus Bettinelli on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old arrived on a Bosman move earlier this week after his contract with Fulham ran out at the end of the season. While it has been claimed that he would be a replacement for third-choice goalkeeper Willy Caballero who was released by Chelsea, the aforementioned report hints otherwise.
Indeed, Thomas Tuchel & co. are now said to considering loaning Kepa out for the season and have offered Valencia a shot at signing him for the 2021/22 campaign.
The 26-year-old arrived at Chelsea three years ago on a world-record transfer fee for a goalkeeper from La Liga side Athletic Bilbao. And while the Spaniard has won a UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League titles in his time at the club, it has been anything but smooth-sailing.
From his infamous disagreement with Maurizio Sarri in his first season to a series of high-profile errors under Frank Lampard which resulted in his axing, the Spaniard has had it difficult. And, he was finally demoted to No. 2 last season upon the arrival of Edouard Mendy.
With the Senegalese international enjoying a top debut season, there is no way Kepa stands the chance of usurping the No. 1 spot at Chelsea. And, in Bettinelli, the Blues also have a goalkeeper who still has plenty left to offer and is experienced enough in English football to serve as the deputy.
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Valencia are in the need of a new goalkeeper amid doubts over the future of Jasper Cillessen. Furthermore, Los Che’s finances are in a disarray, so a loan move would suit them. As for Chelsea, sending Kepa out makes sense as they could stand a chance of selling him off next summer should he enjoy a solid season in his homeland.