Poch will be asked if he’s open to starting 28-year-old next term, Chelsea currently want to sell him

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Mauricio Pochettino is likely to be asked by Chelsea whether he would consider using Kepa Arrizabalaga in his starting XI for the 2023/24 campaign.

That is according to the Telegraph.

So, what is the latest on Kepa Arrizabalaga and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, it is said that Chelsea are determined to sign a new goalkeeper with Andre Onana and Mike Maignan shortlisted as the primary targets.

However, Chelsea are likely to ask Pochettino for his thoughts on starting the 2023/24 season with Kepa in between the sticks, in case the Blues fail to sign a new glovesman.

The Telegraph believe Chelsea will find it very tough to even loan the Spain international out this summer – let alone sell him on a permanent basis – despite the fact he and Edouard Mendy are up for sale.

In fact, journalist Nizaar Kinsella believes Chelsea have been trying to sell Kepa for years.

Kepa earns £147,000-a-week and cost Chelsea £72m back in August 2018, numbers which make him very unattractive to clubs across Europe when you consider his performance levels compared to those figures.

It is also said that AC Milan are keen to keep Maignan at the San Siro, while Onana has been valued at £50m by Inter Milan.

Kepa must improve if Chelsea make Pochettino work with him

The Telegraph specifically mention that Pochettino ideally wants to sign a new goalkeeper, but will work with anyone who strives to make improvements and shows a strong desire to play for Chelsea.

Therefore – if Kepa does end up starting the 2023/24 season – he must knuckle down and improve on his previous displays.

The 28-year-old was given a huge opportunity last season as Mendy struggled for fitness following a shoulder injury.

However, Kepa failed to shine, and Chelsea finished 12th after the Spaniard racked up 29 Premier League starts.

Pochettino wants a new goalkeeper for a reason, and if he is stuck with the same Kepa for the 2023/24 season without seeing any improvement, it could frustrate the Argentine.