Chelsea are back in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer, with Kepa Arrizabalaga facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge
Pochettino makes £26m decision as Chelsea identify two Kepa replacements (Image: Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with an exit from the Blues for a while now and, while he’s liked by Mauricio Pochettino, he looks set to make-way this summer.
According to German publication Sport1, Bayern Munich have made the signing of a new shot-stopper one of their top priorities following the departure of Yann Sommer, while Manuel Neuer continues to nurse a broken leg.
It’s said that the Bavarians were initially keen to challenge Arsenal for the signing of David Raya, but the Gunners waltzed away from negotiations with Brentford victorious. Sport1 add that the German side are now on the prowl for an alternative and they’ve begun ‘initial talks’ with Chelsea over a deal for Kepa.
It’s said that Thomas Tuchel has personally recommended the £25.9million-rated goalkeeper to officials at Bayern following their time together in west London. Interestingly though, Kepa lost his place in the Blues starting lineup under the 49-year-old.
With Kepa leaning towards an exit, Chelsea have reportedly identified two potential replacements. According to the Evening Standard, the west Londoners have Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia and Gregor Kobel form Borussia Dortmund on their shortlist.
Like Mikel Arteta, Pochettino seems eager to have two strong options between the sticks this season. Just last week, Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton to provide strong competition for a place in the starting lineup.
Speaking to the official club website upon his arrival, the Spaniard gave his initial assessment on joining the Blues. Sanchez said: “I started really my career here in England. Brighton has given and provided me everything I needed as a goalkeeper inside and outside the pitch to get the maximum potential out of me which I’m really happy I have done and thankful.
“Obviously now it is another bigger challenge and I’m ready for it. Choosing Chelsea was the best choice that I could have picked because of the opportunities that they have presented in front of me is amazing to develop more as a goalkeeper, learning and to compete for the spot and show everybody how good I can be.”
Then, when asked how he feels about working under Pochettino, Sanchez replied: “Really excited. Amazing opportunity to work with a coach of that level.
“Obviously I have watched him at his past clubs, what he has done and I think what he brings to the club, the family [feel] around the players is really good and his play style is something that I suit really well. I am going to contribute good to win trophies to the club with him.”
Soucre: football.london
