Chelsea are ‘open’ to the sale of Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer with the club ‘braced’ for bids from Spain for the goalkeeper.
Kepa has failed to live up to expectation since his £71.6m move from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, with the world’s most expensive goalkeeper having been restricted to a largely watching brief since the arrival of Edouard Mendy at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old has shown signs of improvement during Mendy’s absence at the AFCON, but it has not been enough to dislodge the Senegalese shot-stopper as number one with Thomas Tuchel considering recalling Mendy for then Club World Cup final against Palmeiras tomorrow.
The Guardian are reporting that Chelsea are expecting interest from Spain in Kepa this summer and the west Londoners will allow the goalkeeper to leave should a suitable offer arrive.
Chelsea have not had to reject any bids for the Spanish international so far, with his record-breaking price-tag and high wages having deterred suitors from La Liga.
There is a sense, however, that Kepa could become Spain’s number one with regular football as he competes with David de Gea and Unai Simón for a place in the national side.
Given the World Cup is approaching in November, he will want to assure regular minutes as he bids to break into La Roja side ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
He has made 12 appearances in all competitions so far this season, helping Chelsea to three penalty shootout successes in cup competition. Kepa impressed during the Club World Cup semi-final win over Al-Hilal, but could lose his place in the side for the final after Mendy’s return from international duty.
