By Nathaniel Kay

Report: 27-year-old Sarri signing expected to leave Chelsea, but only for big money

Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to leave Chelsea this summer, as long as the offer comes to a decent total.

According to the Evening Standard, the goalkeeper will depart Stamford Bridge if the money on the table meets the club’s demands.

The curious case of Kepa

Kepa has been susceptible to a sale ever since Edouard Mendy replaced him as the number one in 2020.

Having arrived in South West London with big expectations and an even bigger price tag, the Spaniard was much up against it from day one.

He actually fared pretty well during his debut season under Maurizio Sarri, keeping 14 Premier League clean sheets, only to be bettered by Ederson and Alisson.

Things began to spiral pretty quickly for the ‘keeper after a promising start to life as a Blue.

His form fell rather dramatically once Frank Lampard became the coach, managing just eight clean sheets in a mistaken-stricken campaign.

The 27-year-old could not shake off the errors in 2020/21 and was swiftly sent to the wings as Mendy took charge.

And despite a few moments in the spotlight, including his UEFA Super Cup penalty heroics, Kepa has largely been kept in the shadows.

But he could well be brought back into the sun with the transfer market soon to open its doors for business.

Kepa expected to leave Chelsea

Whilst the ‘keeper might not be everyone’s favourite pick, he clearly has certain skills preferable to a player in his position.

His reaction saves are strong and not many opponents can beat him in a one-on-one situation.

Plus, Kepa’s penalty prevention record is extremely admirable (the Carabao Cup final aside).

There is clearly still vast room for improvement, which may or may not put off possible punters.

Another, arguably more crucial factor, that might send away suitors is the cost of signing such an expensive individual.

Nobody will fork out the world-record fee Chelsea splashed in 2019, but the Blues will demand a good chunk of that fee be repaid.

Kepa’s wages also need considering, as they come to around £155,000-a-week (Sportac).

A hefty price to pay for a man who hasn’t started a league game for over five months.

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Nathaniel Kay

Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He has worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produces regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League.