‘Very important’: Kepa praises £86m goalkeeper who Chelsea could sign to replace him

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Kepa Arrizabalaga has now heaped praise on Giorgi Mamardashvili – who Chelsea could sign to replace the Spaniard next summer.

The 28-year-old spoke about the Valencia glovesman during an interview with Marca.

So, what did Kepa Arrizabalaga say about Giorgi Mamardashvili? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – according to the Evening Standard – Chelsea considered a move for the Georgia international during the summer transfer window as Kepa and Edouard Mendy were offloaded.

The Spain international is – of course – only on loan at Real Madrid, but if Carlo Ancelotti chooses to sign him permanently, Chelsea could still make a move for Mamardashvili to replace him and have the 22-year-old compete with Robert Sanchez.

In that scenario, Djordje Petrovic – a £14m signing from New England Revolution – would most likely be loaned out.

If Chelsea do end up signing Mamardashvili, the move would seemingly come with Kepa’s approval.

The Real Madrid loanee said: “Mamardashvili is giving a great performance at Valencia and is also a very important figure for them.”

In 42 appearances last season, the Tiflis-born glovesman kept nine clean sheets and conceded 49 goals.

Chelsea would need to spend heavily to replace Kepa with Mamardashvili

If Chelsea do decide to replace Kepa with Mamardashvili next summer, it could cost the Blues a fortune.

According to The Athletic, the Valencia No.25 has a fixed £86m release clause written into his contract at the Mestalla.

Of course, Valencia could agree to sell him for less in the event of relegation or financial difficulty.

However – as things stand – it seems as if only a giant bid will be enough to lure Mamardashvili away from Spain.

Nevertheless, it is good to see that Chelsea have options on their radar in case Real Madrid do choose to buy Kepa, and also in case Sanchez fails to impress this season.