Transfer News: Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga enjoying his stay at Chelsea despite Lazio interest
According to an interview with DAZN as quoted by Football.London, Kepa Arrizabalaga has suggested that despite having a low number of opportunities at getting game time, he is ‘happy’ with his career at Chelsea.
With the scintillating form of Edouard Mendy, it was clear that the Senegalese would get the starting spot ahead of Kepa this season. The Spaniard had the opportunity to prove his worth against Manchester City yesterday, and he grabbed the chance with both hands.
Without the 27-year-old shot-stopper’s crucial saves, our team would have lost yesterday by an embarrassing scoreline. He was solid on the day when Thomas Tuchel’s men fell to a 1-0 loss at the hand of the league leaders.
In a recent interview, Kepa agreed that he is getting fewer opportunities in recent times. However, the Spaniard also suggested that he is not bothered about the situation and finds it enjoyable to play for our club.
“It is true that I had not had the opportunity to play several games in a row for a few months. I take it as an opportunity in which I think I am prepared when I am playing, I am doing well, I am leaving satisfied with the games, I am leaving happy, and that is what I was looking for.”
Kepa to stay at Chelsea?
Edouard Mendy is currently in Cameroon to participate in the AFCON tournament with his national side. We would be without the services of the Senegal international for a couple of weeks. This season, we are still competing for all the major titles and would undoubtedly require a top-class goalkeeper in between the sticks for the upcoming matches.
Our board signed Marcus Bettinelli last summer. But, the Italian was never really signed with the intent of making him a starter. He is a good safety net to have on the bench but it is important that we have a ‘keeper of Kepa’s standards to help us when Mendy is out of the team.
The Spaniard has already given two big performances – against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semifinal and against Manchester City yesterday. If he continues at this rate, the ex-Stade Rennais man would have to fight to win his spot back in the team.
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Even though the former Athletic Bilbao star has been linked with a move to Lazio this month, the hunger and positive attitude he has shown in the last week suggests that he is still committed to Thomas Tuchel’s project.
Now his comments only confirm his dedication. Kepa should look to have as much impact as possible amid the absence of Mendy, which would undoubtedly boost his profile. His potential suitors would be watching and so will Spain’s manager ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
