Out-of-favour Chelsea star linked with a shock return to former club

Athletic Bilbao are considering a transfer move for Chelsea flop Kepa Arrizabalaga

A report by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital (h/t Express) mentions that Athletic Bilbao are interested in a deal to re-sign Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Blues signed the Spaniard from Athletic in 2018 as Marina Granovskaia finalized a £71m deal, making him the most expensive goalkeeper ever. But things haven’t quite gone to plan.

Once tipped to overtake David de Gea and be a fixture in the Spanish national team’s starting XI, Arrizabalaga has been dismantled by Edouard Mendy as Chelsea’s number 1 choice between the sticks.

And the Stamford Bridge flop was bound to leave last summer with Sevilla and Valencia both keen on a transfer. But the loan plus permanent transfer deal that the Blues desired could not be completed due to the financial impact of Covid-19.

Athletic want their man

Now, his former club are in the market for him, with their new manager, Marcelino, making him one of his three desired signings. The report mentions that the manager has grand plans at San Mames.

And for that, he has demanded Javi Martinez from Bayern Munich, Kepa from Chelsea, and Fernando Llorente from Udinese. The club has limited options in the market as they only sign Basque players.

However, Chelsea would let go of Kepa if they feel they can recoup a decent amount for the 26-year-old. And it is unclear if the Basque side can meet the £50m valuation of the goalkeeper by Chelsea.

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Nevertheless, getting him off the books is something that Chelsea wants. With no visible place for him in the squad, a transfer away from the Bridge makes sense for all parties.