Kepa Arrizabalaga is a transfer target for Barcelona.
According to the Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Football.London), Barcelona have expressed an interest to secure the services of Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga in the summer transfer window. He has found it challenging to break into the starting spot due to the presence of Edouard Mendy.
Barca could be in the market to bring in a goalkeeper at the end of this campaign. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has not enjoyed a great time with his side this season which has been the case last term as well. As such, they could decide to replace him next summer and are looking at potential alternatives.
Xavi Hernandez’s side has shortlisted Arrizabalaga as a potential replacement for ter Stegen. Whether they would follow through with their interest or not is unknown at this point. It remains to be seen if the Blues would entertain a transfer bid for their player after this season.
Kepa has been a reliable backup option for us since Thomas Tuchel has taken over the managerial role. The shot-stopper did not enjoy a great time with Frank Lampard, but he has overcome those struggles and reached newer heights. That being said, his heroics is not enough to pip Mendy since the latter has simply been better in this time.
The Blues’ second choice star also earns a ridiculous 10m-a-year in wages and still has three more years left in his contract. That is a bit steep for a backup keeper, especially when he would not play many games to repay the club. Hence, it would be best for us to sell him off elsewhere with the Catalans having shown an interest.
What’s curious is that Mendy earns just £3m-a-year in wages which is ridiculous to think about. We must stabilise our wage structure at the earliest before it gets out of control. As such, it would be wise on the club’s part to try and recoup at least some of the £71.6million we paid to Athletic Bilbao for Kepa.
Since Newcastle United have also shown an interest, we could potentially see a bidding war next summer. Moreover, the Spaniard himself could may have the ambition of added playing time in a bid to become Spain’s number 1 goalkeeper. We should look to take advantage of this situation to facilitate a transfer after this season.
The 27-year-old has fared well for us despite his forgettable time in the Carabao Cup final. He could be a major addition to the La Liga side and Newcastle, so we could be boosted in that aspect with these interests.
Barca offer him a return to his home country and with Marc-Andre ter Stegen looking shaky every now and then, Kepa can earn regular playing time there if he impresses at Camp Nou. As for the Magpies, he would surely be a starter for the Toons from the looks of it, with Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow two ‘keepers that the Toons can arguably upgrade upon.
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