Kepa Arrizabalaga ‘wants to STAY at Chelsea and convince fans he can be their long-term
Kepa Arrizabalaga ‘wants to STAY at Chelsea and convince fans he can be their long-term No 1’ as the Spaniard hopes to make the most of his close relationship with Mauricio Pochettino’s goalkeeping coach
- Kepa Arrizabalaga will apparently fight for his number one spot at Chelsea
- The Spaniard was tipped to leave the club this summer after recent difficulties
- But Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival has made him believe he can save his career
Kepa Arrizabalaga has no intentions to leave Chelsea and wants to bounce-back from difficulties enduring in the past seasons to become the club’s long-term number one, according to reports.
The Spaniard became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in five years ago when he moved from Athletic Bilbao for a record £72million, but has struggled to live up to the hype that engulfed his arrival.
He looked set for a summer departure with Ligue 1 side Nice among the mentioned parties linked with making a move, but the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea’s new leader has convinced him to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino is bringing goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez with him to London and it is Kepa’s close personal relationship with Jimenez that makes him believe he can resurrect his Chelsea career, according to the Sun.
The duo have apparently been in discussions since the end of the season and are already putting a plan together to help Kepa become a formidable force between the sticks.
Kepa Arrizabalaga reportedly wants to stay and fight for his position as Chelsea’s number one
The 28-year-old previously lost his place to Edouard Mendy during Chelsea’s run to Champions League triumph in 2021, but regained his status last season.
However, Kepa like the majority of his team-mates fell to pieces as the Blues endured a nightmare campaign that saw Graham Potter lose his job as they limped to a 12th-place Premier League finish.
Mendy meanwhile appears braced for a move to heavy-spending Saudi Pro League and is on the verge of joining Al Ahli ahead of a proposed medical on Monday.
There is an apparent belief within the Chelsea ranks that Kepa can improve, although his stats since moving to England are a damning review of his talents.
He has made 163 appearances in all competitions since 2018 and won the Champions League, Europa League, and Club World Cup.
However, the shot-stopper has only managed 59 clean sheets in the process and has conceded 175 strikes during his time at the club.
More to follow.