Why Chelsea would be absolutely right to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga
According to transfer expert Ian McGarry (h/t Mirror), Chelsea could look to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga in January to raise funds. The Blues are keen on bringing in Declan Rice but will need to sell players to raise funds. Along with Kepa, Rudiger has also been mentioned in the report as someone who can be offloaded.
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A product of the famed Athletic Bilbao academy, Kepa started out with them in 2004. He played through the youth levels and was sometimes called to the senior side. While he was in the U-19s, he was sent to Basconia for two seasons.
After returning, he was promoted to the senior side but was sent on loan to SD Ponferradina. Another loan spell followed to Real Valladolid and it was only after those loan spells that he started to get regular game time for Bilbao.
In 54 appearances for the Basque club, he kept 15 clean sheets (source – Transfermarkt). His performances attracted the attention of Chelsea and they signed him. Since then, things have not been going well for the Spaniard. He has kept making school-boy errors, which has cost the club a lot of points. Kepa has also made 11 appearances for Spain so far.
Chelsea would be right to sell Kepa
It’s never easy bearing the tag of the costliest player in your position (£71.6m). Kepa has had to bear that tag for over two years now as it hangs like a weight on his neck. He has looked utterly short of confidence in recent times.
Shots slipping through his gloves, fumbling the ball when trying to claim it, parrying it into dangerous areas, these are just some of the glaring errors he makes on a regular basis.
As expected, the scrutiny levels have only increased after every game. It feels like the keeper needs to move away from the glaring spotlight of the Premier League. The bigger picture here is that Chelsea have already got a classy shot-stopper in Edouard Mendy, who they signed this season. After his arrival, he has usurped Kepa’s position and rightfully so.
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The former Rennes man is a cool customer between the sticks and has already endeared himself to the fans with his performances so far. At 26, Kepa will still command a good resale value.
While it might seem that Chelsea are giving up too soon, he has been afforded more than his fair share of chances and he has hardly shown improvement. With Chelsea very interested in Declan Rice, it really won’t be a surprise if the Spaniard is shown the door.