Why Kepa didn't leave Chelsea this summer
Karan Tejwani
- 5 Sept 2022 10:25 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed why goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has remained at the club over the summer, despite expectations that he would leave.
It was believed that Kepa was close to leaving Stamford Bridge this year having fallen and stayed behind Edouard Mendy in the pecking order at Chelsea over the last two seasons.
Kepa was linked with various moves, including one to Serie A side Napoli, but nothing serious materialized and he has remained at Chelsea beyond the transfer window.
Tuchel has also said he’s happy to keep him, and considering Mendy has suffered a slight dip in form recently, Kepa might actually get a chance to prove himself.
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Tuchel feels Kepa is ready
The German boss feels Kepa is unaffected by the speculation surrounding his future at Chelsea and is ready to step in to help the team if required.
“He tried to leave. He reviewed the options that he had, which we were aware of, but they were not satisfactory to him,” Tuchel said when asked about Kepa’s future.
He added later on: “I am very happy, I was always very clear with him, I always told him directly that I would like him to stay. From my point of view, he is absolutely ready to play.”
Tuchel on Kepa-Napoli deal collapsed: "He checked his options in summer which we were aware of. They were not satisfying for him or for us, so he stayed". ⚠️🔵 #CFC
"I'm very happy about that. I was always very clear with Kepa that I wanted him to stay". pic.twitter.com/9QbrER5BIa— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 5, 2022
According to reports, Tuchel is considering reinstating Kepa as number one – at least on a temporary basis – as Mendy struggles for form.
The Senegalese goalkeeper has made a few errors leading to goals this season, most notably the one against Leeds United which led to a 3-0 defeat.
Kepa has made only 11 league appearances over the last two seasons, with Mendy taking the number one spot, and has mostly played in cup matches for the Blues.
This could be a chance for the Spaniard to show his talents, having had an underwhelming spell since moving to Chelsea in a world-record move back in 2018.
