Report: Maurizio Sarri has now made £72m Chelsea player his ‘dream’ signing this summer

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It is being reported that Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga is being targeted by Italian side Lazio.

According to Ilmessaggero, former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on a reunion with the 27-year-old, who is not seen as a starter at Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international arrived for a then club record £72m, but has struggled to find game time since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, and in particular Edouard Mendy.

A promising first season at the club, under the leadership of Sarri, was quickly forgotten among Chelsea fans. A string of poor performances and loss of confidence even saw him dropped for Argentine Willy Caballero.

Now though it is being reported that the 63-year-old is keen to bring Kepa to the Stadio Olimpico, with Ilmessaggero claiming it is the Italian’s “dream” to have the ‘keeper at his disposal next season.

While the deal is likely to suit both parties given the current situations, it is believed the Spaniard’s wage at the London club is currently halting any progress.

However, the report also claimed the 27-year-old has “made it known he wants to reduce” his wage demands in order to gain more first team opportunities.

While Kepa’s appearances were sporadic last season, they can’t be called unforgettable.

He saved two penalties in the season’s curtain-raised against Villarreal in Belfast to win his side the Super Cup, while he also saved spot-kicks against Aston Villa and Southampton in EFL Cup shootouts.

However, he was unable to make an impact when subbed on in the last few minutes of the final in that competition, as Liverpool won the trophy 11-10 on penalties.

A move away would bring to an end an intriguing four years at the club, with the only manager who ever fully had faith in him the one looking to sign him now.

While his reaction saves have been an obvious strong point, his less than imposing stature has restricted him in England.

Some of the better ‘keepers the league has ever seen, such as former Blue Petr Cech, have been far taller than the 6”1 Spain international, with traits such as coming for crosses a real weakness.