Kepa could be handed Chelsea escape route this summer
Cameron Smith
- 19 Jul 2022 22:33 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga may be handed a lifeline by Serie A giants Napoli, who are considering a move for the Spaniard as his career becomes at risk of completely stagnating.
Napoli, who finished third in Serie A last season, have lost former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina this summer, with the Colombian joining Al-Nassr on a free transfer.
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Alex Meret is the only other senior goalkeeper in the Napoli squad, and while he was first choice in the 2020-21 campaign, he lost out to Ospina last term, playing just seven times in Serie A.
As a result, Napoli are looking at options for their number one shirt, and the Evening Standard have reported that Kepa is on the radar. The Italian giants are reportedly interested in either a loan move or a permanent deal for the former Athletic Bilbao star.
It's understood that Kepa is unhappy with being second choice at Chelsea, which is a role he's played over the course of the past two seasons, with Edouard Mendy the preferred option.
Reportedly, Kepa's wages are currently an issue. The Spaniard earns a huge £190,000-a-week at Chelsea, which is a concern to Napoli.
Chelsea will only let Kepa depart if a replacement is signed, according to reports. Chelsea are set to sign young Chicago Fire 'keeper Gabriel Slonina for £10 million, but it's likely that if he arrives he will be loaned back to the MLS.
Kepa at Chelsea
Kepa was signed by Chelsea back in 2018, replacing the outgoing Thibaut Courtois, who had joined Real Madrid.
Roma's Alisson has been looked at, but Liverpool secured the Brazilian's signature and Chelsea were left needing a number one shot-stopper. Kepa was identified, with Maurizio Sarri keen to add him to the squad.
The Spanish goalkeeper was signed for £71.6m, which was a world record fee for someone in his position, with Athletic Bilbao holding out for a huge price due to their club policy of only signing players from the Basque region.
However, after a string of errors under Frank Lampard, Kepa was dropped for reserve 'keeper Willy Caballero before Edouard Mendy was signed in 2020. The Senegal international immediately became the Blues' number one, ousting Kepa and relegating him to a permanent role as back-up.
That status has remained under Thomas Tuchel, and while Kepa impressed in cup competitions during the 2021-22 season, he could be let go this summer.
