A View From The Bridge

Fiorentina closely monitoring out of favour Chelsea star

Italian club Fiorentina seriously considering making a move for Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga

According to a report from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Fiorentina are considering making a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this month.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was farmed out on loan to Real Madrid last summer after a challenging 2022/23 season and the arrival of goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic at Stamford Bridge. He made 20 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid on loan and won La Liga and the Champions League.

Thibaut Courtois’ long-term injury allowed him a chance to take the No.1 spot for Los Blancos. The Spain international performed decently until he himself got injured. This led to Andriy Lunin stepping in and Kepa managed only one start for the Spanish club after January.

The 29-year-old is back at Chelsea after the expiry of his loan spell at Santiago Bernabeu. Kepa is into the final year of his contract and wasn’t included in the squad for the Blues’ pre-season tour of the United States by head coach Enzo Maresca. This is as clear as an indication that the West London club want to cash him in and get some fee rather than losing on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

The aforementioned report claims Chelsea are ready to sell Kepa for around €5m this summer. While Fiorentina are interested and seriously considering tabling an offer in the next couple of weeks, they fear Kepa’s wage demands could become a stumbling block for a move to materialize.

The Spanish goalkeeper earns around €9m net per season at Stamford Bridge—which approximately comes down to £150,000 gross per week. This should be too high for a mid-table Serie A side like Fiorentina, and unless he takes a pay cut, a move looks difficult to go through. However, all depends on the Florence-based outfit’s offer to Chelsea for the 29-year-old glovesman.

Kepa Arrizabalaga spent the last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he won two major trophies. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In recent years, Kepa has lost his place in between the sticks at Chelsea to former No.1 Edouard Mendy and was dropped after substandard displays. Despite his dip in stock, he should find himself lucky to get an opportunity to don the Real Madrid jersey and win major trophies last season.

More Chelsea News

The Blues’ acquisition of Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal should be the final nail in Kepa’s career in west London. He is now at a crossroads in his career and must decide quickly where to go next with his time at Chelsea all but over.

The ex-Athletic Bilbao man could start a fresh chapter in his career in Florence with Fiorentina, who are looking for a new goalkeeper to replace Pietro Terracciano. But for the move to potentially happen, Kepa must take a hefty wage cut.

Rohan Sengupta

An avid sports writer coated in Manchester Red. Can often be found rambling on Twitter engaging in heated/constructive discussions. Waiting and yearning to see Manchester United get back to their glory days. Has a dream to take parents to Old Trafford one fine day.

Recent Posts

Chelsea star backed to make Old Trafford switch; ‘fresh opportunity’ on the cards

Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…

3 days ago

Chelsea star to push for Stamford Bridge exit; Manchester United keen

Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…

3 days ago

Chelsea are eager to make a massive move for Barcelona right-back

In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…

5 days ago

Chelsea unwilling to sanction sale of 10-goal star to Premier League rival

Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…

6 days ago

Chelsea lead the race for 23-goal European star to address striking woes

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…

7 days ago

Chelsea shortlist two names as Maresca keen to strengthen one key area

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…

1 week ago