Kepa Arrizabalaga has expressed a desire to leave Chelsea this summer. Chelsea reportedly do not have any problem with his decision either. Arrizabalaga has slipped down the Stamford Bridge pecking order after the signing of Edouard Mendy in 2020. He is currently a backup option for head coach Thomas Tuchel. Although he has proved his prowess in penalty shootouts on a couple of occasions, he will not be happy with the playing time he gets.
Since Arrizabalaga hasn’t played for Spain since July 2020, he may find it difficult to make Luis Enrique’s 26-man World Cup squad. Unai Simon and Robert Sanchez have all been preferred over him. Arrizabalaga is trying to force his way into the Spain squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Chelsea are exploring the possibility of a loan move. Arrizabalaga makes about £150,000 per week. So any interested teams would have to be willing to cover the majority of his salary if the goalkeeper were to move on loan.
Interested Parties For Arrizabalaga
Ligue 1 outfit Nice is thought to be interested in the former Athletic Bilbao player. Foot Mercato reports that Nice is preparing a loan offer for Arrizabalaga as they search for a replacement for former No. 1 goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who has joined PSV Eindhoven.
Arrizabalaga, who Chelsea acquired in 2018 for a record-breaking £72 million, has also been linked to Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio. Sarri was in charge when Arrizabalaga arrived at Stamford Bridge. Although the two had a famous falling out, Arrizabalaga played his best football under him. Perhaps he is the one who can get him back to his best. Although he has had his weak moments, Arrizabalaga is still a quality keeper. With regular game time, he can fulfil the potential that he once showed at Athletic Bilbao.
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