Transfer News: Newcastle United identify Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga as summer target
According to the Spanish publication Fichajes via Sport Witness (h/t Football.London), Newcastle United have identified Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga as a potential target for the summer transfer window. He has been unable to take back the starting spot from Edouard Mendy and could be in line for a departure after this season.
Arrizabalaga could call it a day at Stamford Bridge in search of more game time elsewhere. After all, he has overcome his struggles at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel and now looks back to his usual best. However, Mendy is still the undisputed number one choice at this moment, paving the way for a potential summer exit.
Kepa could have plans to leave the Blues to become a starting choice goalkeeper elsewhere. St. James’ Park could be his next destination since Newcastle have expressed an interest to sign him after all. It remains to be seen if the Blues would facilitate a move for him this summer considering the lack of a quality third-choice ‘keeper at the club.
Kepa to leave Chelsea?
The Spaniard has done well as a second choice for us despite his disappointing stint in the Carabao Cup final. He also deputized really well for Mendy when the latter was out on international duty during the African Cup of Nations. However, it is understandable if the club decides to part ways with the former Athletic Bilbao man.
We paid a humongous £71.6million in transfer fees to Athletic Club to bring the 27-year-old to London. Moreover, he also has a wage package that sees him earn £150,000-a-week, which is a bit much for someone who plays a secondary role in between the posts.
The Magpies’ financial might is pretty well known at this point, following the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund’s takeover. Their interest could well be a boost for us if we can recoup some of the fee we paid for Kepa when we were on the lookout for a Thibaut Courtois replacement.
That being said, it is still unknown what stance Thomas Tuchel’s side would take at this point regarding this subject. Even if they would decide to move out the Spanish international, we cannot facilitate a transfer unless our current transfer ban is lifted.
The UK Government has imposed a sanction on Roman Abramovich, which prevent us from dealing in transfer business. The club officials must find a solution soon enough to get out of our current plight as we near the summer transfer window.
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If and when that situation is sorted, we can plan for a situation where we may see Kepa leave. Until then, it is not a shabby look having two very good goalies in our squad.