Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia
Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market with four acquisitions already made so far in the summer. However, the Blues need to make a number of sales as well to ease their financial burden as well as alleviate any pressure they may face from the Premier League or UEFA for potentially breaching their Fair Play guidelines.
They have looked intent on getting rid of Conor Gallagher this summer and another opportunity to make money has come Chelsea’s way with Kepa Arrizabalaga attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, as per Marca. Al Ittihad and Al Hilal are both contemplating a move for the former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper.
Kepa spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he won La Liga and the Champions League. The Whites are themselves pondering over his permanent transfer in case backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin leaves. The Spaniard, if he joins Madrid permanently, would be an understudy for Thibaut Courtois at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The offers from Saudi Arabia are expected to have an expiry date and it is understood that Kepa is contemplating joining one of the Middle Eastern clubs. The goalkeeper reportedly sees it as a life-changing adventure and understandably so given the incredibly exorbitant amounts of wages that are on offer in the Saudi Pro League.
If indeed the West Asian sides were to knock on Kepa’s door, they will also need to pay a transfer fee to Chelsea and the Blues can make the most of the Saudi clubs’ financial muscle by seeking a transfer fee that exceeds market value for the 29-year-old. And should they negotiate well, the incoming amount will financially aid them.
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It remains to be seen whether Kepa awaits an offer from Real Madrid before deciding his future, although it must not entirely be ruled out that Chelsea keep him with Robert Sanchez having a disappointing campaign last time around.
