Real Madrid join Bayern Munich in the race for Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga after the ACL injury to Thibaut Courtois. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
As per a tweet from Simon Phillips, via FootballItalia (h/t Football.London), Italian side Napoli are turning their attention towards signing backup Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Napoli had initially been in contact with the French champions Paris-Saint Germain to sign former Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas. However, injury to the Costa Rica international has meant that the Italian side could be turning their attention to completing a deal to sign Kepa.
Kepa has been a second-choice keeper for Chelsea since the arrival of Edouard Mendy in the summer window of 2020. The Spaniard arrived in 2018 for a record fee for a goalkeeper (£71.6m), but never looked settled in his position between the posts.
The 27-year-old has only made 29 appearances in all competitions in the last two seasons combined, despite adding to the fact that he started the 2020/21 season as the first-choice keeper before Mendy arrived and took over the duties in that position.
Talent-wise, there is no doubting that Kepa is a decent goalkeeper, although not to an extent for which Chelsea paid the big fee for him, the shotstopper never looked comfortable with the physicality of the Premier League. He struggled to command his box from crosses and set-pieces, while not being 100% confident with the ball at his feet.
Moving to Italy could be handy for the Spaniard given the less intense nature of the league. Sometimes, even a change of scenery can do wonders for a player, especially goalkeepers who are scrutinised for every move they make on the field.
From Chelsea’s viewpoint, they might never get the amount they paid for Kepa, but it would be good to get at least some of it back. Furthermore, letting him go could lead to an opportunity for a young goalkeeper to step up. The club could also sign anyone young who can learn and develop and deputise Mendy.
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