Report: Maurizio Sarri now wants to sign Chelsea 27-year-old player he previously called 'clever'
Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri reportedly wants to sign his former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in January.
This is according to Corriere dello Sport, who claim the ex-Blues teacher is chasing after one of his pupils from a previous class.
Kepa once of Sarri’s classroom
Sarri oversaw Kepa’s switch to Stamford Bridge in 2018 for a then club-record fee.
Although the Spaniard enjoyed his best season in a Chelsea shirt under the spectacled Italian, the pair’s relationship hit a few rocks.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
The infamous Carabao Cup final incident will live long in the memory for both player and coach.
Kepa’s refusal to leave the Wembley pitch arguably signalled the start of his downward spiral.
“I can kill him but I think this was right,” said Sarri after he dropped then reinstated the goalkeeper.
“His reaction today was very good. I know him well, he is very clever with a good mentality, he made a mistake and understands.”
Swept under the carpet
It appears water is now completely under the bridge between the pair, as the Lazio boss looks for a reunion.
Corriere dello Sport state the Serie A side tried to sign Kepa on loan over the summer, but talks of a move fell through.
They suggest Chelsea were reluctant to strike such a part-time deal because they would have been forced to pay half of the ‘keeper’s £155,000-a-week (Sportrac) salary.
Instead, the London club decided to retain the services of their expensive shot-stopper.
A decision that has so far proved beneficial.
Kepa proved his worth in the UEFA Super Cup final, saving two penalties to earn Thomas Tuchel a second piece of silverware.
He was literally on hand again in the Carabao Cup spot-kick victory against Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old then kept a clean sheet in the triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, deputising for Edouard Mendy.
Now Kepa is back in the good books, Sarri might have to try a bit harder if he plans to reconvene with his old work colleague.
